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Insights as a Service

Insights as a Service

By Lightwire

The podcast that helps MSPs get ahead. Join Brendan Ritchie each week to hear the latest news, insights, and opinions that matter to people working in Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and telcos in Australia and New Zealand. Insights as a Service is the podcast that pulls together the key industry talking points and combines them with real world experiences shared by industry leaders to deliver value to professionals working in tech. Each episode is made possible by the microphones, studio space and people made available by Lightwire, check them out at lightwirebusiness.com
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Currently playing episode

40 - Should Companies Pay Ransoms?

Insights as a ServiceSep 25, 2022

00:00
29:42
63 - MSP Marketing Masterclass

63 - MSP Marketing Masterclass

Join Brendan Ritchie and Paul Green from MSP Marketing as they delve into the nuances of modern marketing. They discuss the undeniable power of niche content, the transformative impact of understanding client trends and frustrations, and the significance of podcasts in today's digital landscape. They also highlight the importance of commitment and consistency and explore the art of generating standout content. This episode is packed with insights and strategies. Tune in for a masterclass in marketing strategy, personal branding, and much more! Chapters: 00:00:00 - Importance of Marketing in the MSP Sector 00:07:03 - Overwhelming for Techs 00:14:09 - Building Trust and Engagement with MSPs 00:21:20 - Tracking and Eliminating Red Tasks in MSPs 00:28:31 - Product Managers and Marketing Responsibility 00:35:45 - Putting Yourself Out There 00:42:40 - The Commitment and Consistency of Podcasting 00:49:35 - Three-step marketing strategy 00:56:25 - The Challenges of Business Ownership

Sep 24, 202301:04:04
62 - Mastering Tech Recruitment: Key Strategies for MSP Leaders

62 - Mastering Tech Recruitment: Key Strategies for MSP Leaders

In this episode of Insights as a Service, Brendan is joined by Dean Ellis, recruitment manager at Beaumont People.

From global Insights to local benefits, they delve into the latest developments in technology recruitment. Explore market trends, talk about security and career progression in smaller MSPs, tackle salary inflation, and gain insights on employee retention, skills assessment, and customer support.

They also discuss the concept of functional roles in tech and how to make the four-day work week work in your business.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Pitfalls of Chasing a Higher Paycheck

00:04:55 - Salary Increases for Software Engineers

00:09:39 - The Security Perception in Smaller MSPs

00:14:24 - Promoting Unskilled Employees in MSPs

00:19:09 - The Importance of Company Culture

00:23:53 - The Impact of Offshoring on the Technology Sector in Australia

00:28:31 - Specialization and Offshoring in the Tech Industry

00:33:11 - Implementing a Four-Day WorkWeek

00:37:48 - Ensuring Customer Satisfaction and Productivity

00:42:30 - Measuring and Increasing Direction

00:46:57 - Effective Communication with Customers

00:51:37 - Value-Added Service and Building Sticky Relationships

Sep 10, 202356:16
61 - The ideal sales team structure

61 - The ideal sales team structure

In this episode, Brendan delves deep into the sales universe with James Bergl, the VP Communities & Ecosystem APAC at Pax8. Learn about striking the right balance in sales leadership, fair compensation, and the art of relationship-based selling. They touch on the nuances in the tech industry and the essence of financial literacy in sales and unveil the blueprint for success in these challenging economic times. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Paying Someone What They Are Worth and Building a High-Performance Sales Team 00:05:41 - Incentivising Sales Teams 00:10:51 - Motivation beyond money in sales 00:16:07 - The Importance of Commission Plans in Hiring 00:21:27 - The Importance of Qualified Salespeople 00:26:38 - Building a Sales Pipeline and Social Media Strategy 00:31:54 - The Why, How, and What of Sales in Troubled Economic Times 00:37:27 - The Future of MSP Business Models 00:42:45 - Building Value Compositions for Business Success Where to find them: 👉Brendan Ritchie https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanri... 👉James Bergl https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbergl/ Free resources: 👉The NBN Explained: https://www.lightwirebusiness.com/nbn-playbook/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=nbn-playbook 👉 B2B Internet Services in NZ: https://www.lightwirebusiness.com/b2b-internet-services-in-nz-guide/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=b2b-internet-services-in-NZ

Aug 27, 202348:22
60 - Profit in Pursuit of Purpose

60 - Profit in Pursuit of Purpose

In recent years, growing expectations from consumers and investors for better ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) practices have led businesses to shift towards models prioritising profit generation in pursuit of positive social impact. So, how can you do good while doing well? In this week's conversation, AJ McKean, the Managing Director of Synergy Technologies, discusses running a for-profit business with a focus on creating a positive social impact. The idea of running a business that aims to do good by being good at what it does.


00:00:00 - The Competitive Advantage of Purpose-Driven Organizations

00:04:59 - Making a Difference through Social Impact

00:09:45 - The Challenge of Choosing Good Causes

00:14:33 - Balancing Genuineness and Accountability

00:19:02 - The Importance of Purpose and Impact to Motivate the Team

00:23:35 - Balancing Stakeholder Impact in Business

00:28:08 - Balancing Outside Influences and Personal Passion

00:32:40 - Balancing Purpose and Profit in Organizations

00:37:20 - Engaging the Team and Supporting Charities

00:41:46 - Taking a Step Forward

Where to find them: 👉AJ McKean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amckeannz/ 👉Brendan Ritchie https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanri...

Aug 13, 202342:03
59 - Building a trans-Tasman business

59 - Building a trans-Tasman business

This time, we have something special in store for you.

Recently, Brendan had the privilege of being a guest on the Pax8 Academy podcast, hosted by the amazing James Davis.


During their conversation, they delved into Brendan's experience of bringing a New Zealand business to Australia.

Exploring the valuable lessons learned, the required investment, and the resulting return on that investment, they guys cover topics relevant to all businesses looking to offer services across both countries.

Additionally, they discussed the timeframe for achieving success and what Brendan might do differently if he had a do-over.


If you're an MSP or a telco currently operating in either Australia or New Zealand and wondering whether it's the right time to venture into the other market, you're in for a treat. Their discussion is packed with valuable insights that can help inform your decision-making process.


0:00 Background

5:00 Biggest challenges getting into the AU market

11:20 The secret to building your network, fast

20:00 What to do when can’t directly compete

23:20 The first hires you need when entering a new market

27:50 Creating alignment in a remote-first culture

32:00 Benefits of trans-Tasman operations

35:00 How much $ do you need to enter a new market

40:00 Final thoughts


👉James Davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejamesdavisaus/

👉Brendan Ritchie https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanritchie/


Jul 30, 202343:05
58 - AI's Impact on Telcos, MSPs, and Customer Service

58 - AI's Impact on Telcos, MSPs, and Customer Service

AI is here, and it’s bigger than the internet, according to Tim Warren, CEO and founder of Ambit. How you use it in your business will determine the quality of experience your customers have and how effectively you differentiate your brand. This week’s conversation is taking Brendan into the history and development of AI, from Natural language processing (NLP) to Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) and its applications in various industries. You will learn how businesses are focusing on new customer service tactics, using AI in B2C and B2B interactions to drive bottom-line growth. Blog/Resources: https://bit.ly/3rvqsb3 NBN Playbook: https://bit.ly/3PUbRQX Brendan Ritchie https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanritchie/ Tim Warren https://www.linkedin.com/in/tswarren/ Ambit https://www.linkedin.com/company/ambit-ai/ Organisational Readiness: AI and GPT: https://www.ambit.ai/resources/organisational-readiness-ai-and-gpt


00:00:00 - The Marketing Power of AI 00:02:13 - Introducing Ambit: Customer Service with AI 00:03:01 - Finding the Right Business Idea 00:03:20 - The Rise of AI and Blockchain in Business 00:06:35 - The Definition of Artificial Intelligence and its Development 00:10:00 - The Evolution of Natural Language Processing 00:13:21 - The Rise of Generative AI 00:16:52 - The Viral Adoption of Chat GPT: Bigger than the Internet 00:20:16 - The Stunning Visuals and Advances in AI 00:23:40 - The Role of Engineers in Real-World Applications 00:26:56 - Creating Art in the Style of Nirvana 00:30:06 - The Cognitive Challenges in AI and Humans 00:33:13 - The Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 00:36:29 - The Democratization of Skill Sets in the Job Market 00:39:42 - Coder Disruption and Industry Regulation 00:42:49 - The Importance of Regulation and Consumer Safety 00:45:50 - Automating documentation with chat GPT 00:49:02 - Sophisticated Support Mechanisms 00:52:17 - Chatbot Adoption in B2C and B2B Markets 00:55:26 - Where to Find Tim

Jul 16, 202356:35
57 - Cyber warfare is here, now what?

57 - Cyber warfare is here, now what?

In this era of state-sanctioned cyber warfare, Is your business approach to cybersecurity up to date? How can you keep your business and your clients, safe from cyber-attacks? Embark on an eye-opening episode of Insights as a Service. Barry Greene, former Principal Resiliency & Security Architect at Akamai Technologies , helps Brendan understand the origins, evolution, and best practice responses to disruptive cyber warfare campaigns! Get up to date on the real state of cyber warfare as Brendan and Barry discuss different sovereign state responses, how critical it is to take proactive measures in cybersecurity, how Australia's approach towards preventing cyber-kinetic incidents puts it at an advantage, and much more...

Jul 02, 202358:59
56 - Decoding Pricing Strategies, M&A Insights, and Business Valuations

56 - Decoding Pricing Strategies, M&A Insights, and Business Valuations

In this episode, Brendan is joined by Ryan Spillane, the CEO of 360 Consulting, an IT-focused advisory company. Together they tackle key topics essential for MSPs looking to thrive in a dynamic and competitive landscape. They will dig into the secrets behind their pricing strategies, profit margins, and growth opportunities.

Jun 18, 202359:19
55 - Picking a niche: A blue print with Nigel Moore

55 - Picking a niche: A blue print with Nigel Moore

Nigel Moore runs The Tech Tribe, an organisation that has more than 4,000 MSPs as members, so he knows a thing or two about how to successfully sell into a specific niche segment or vertical.

This is a subject we have spoken about before on the podcast, and it has resulted in a lot f feedback from listeners where they have questioned how easy it is to do in the real world. In this episode Brendan shares this feedback with Nigel and gets him to counter the objections one by one.

You can expect practical tips on how to pivot without impacting revenue, how to market to specific segments, how this approach impacts hiring, and much more.

Brendan and Nigel deliver a must-listen episode for MSPs wanting to gain a competitive edge!

Jun 04, 202342:50
54 - The Power of Peer Groups

54 - The Power of Peer Groups

Wayne Small, the CEO of SMBiT Professionals, joins Brendan to explore the challenges and opportunities in the MSP industry, with a specific focus on the needs of small businesses in ANZ. Diving into topics ranging from integrating AI effectively, mitigating macroeconomic risks, collaborating with other MSPs, and identifying client retention opportunities.

May 21, 202345:20
53 - What are profitable MSPs paying? - with Peter Kujawa

53 - What are profitable MSPs paying? - with Peter Kujawa

The S-L Index 2023 Annual Compensation Report is out! And it is the focus of this week's episode. 


Peter Kujawa, VP - of Service Leadership, a Connectwise Solution and Brendan discuss the latest compensation trends in the #msp industry and how they relate to the impact of automation on M&A and valuation multiples. They also explore emerging technologies such as #ai and their effect on the industry.


Tune in to learn about adapting to stay competitive, controlling profitability, innovating to meet changing client needs, and more.

May 07, 202351:11
52 - MSP Meets AI - where's the opportunity?

52 - MSP Meets AI - where's the opportunity?

Today Brendan and Dave Sobel from MSP Radio are talking about one of the hottest topics in tech right now with a focus on #chatgpt - the AI tool that's taking the world by storm. 🤖

We dug deep into the topic of regulation surrounding AI and its implications for the IT industry, and the impact of #ai on job opportunities for MSPs and the wider economy.🤔

You will discover how you can leverage the opportunities presented by AI and use it to your advantage.🌟

So, grab a notepad and get ready to dive into this week's episode to learn all about the power of AI in the IT industry!

Apr 23, 202350:39
51 - The MSP Model Is Dead

51 - The MSP Model Is Dead

James Davis, the Pax8 Academy Director, joins Brendan to chat about the changing MSP landscape.

From the decline of the traditional MSP model to pricing models and the challenges posed by SaaS vendors - they cover it all.

Tune in to find out how you can shift your MSP to a more profitable model, the necessary skillset for a successful cybersecurity play, and where the industry is heading. So, grab your headphones and get ready to dive into this week's episode.

Apr 02, 202352:25
50 - Marketing For MSPs

50 - Marketing For MSPs

In this episode, Ally Bourke, marketing advisor and founder of The Launch Project, is here with Brendan to discuss the latest marketing trends and techniques for MSPs.

They dive into the nitty-gritty of how to sell something that people don't understand. Discuss the power of storytelling, whether marketing content should be gated or not, and how marketing practices in Australia and New Zealand compare to the rest of the world.

Along the way, they consider the pros and cons of agency vs. in-house marketing for MSPs and provide tips for building your marketing team from scratch.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for MSPs looking to up their marketing game!


Mar 19, 202355:01
49 - CFOs that enable growth

49 - CFOs that enable growth

In this episode of the Insights as a Service podcast, Brendan is joined by David and Dinesh from the CFO Institute to uncover the secrets of driving business profitability through the role of a CFO. They'll share their experiences in finance and commercial functions and cover topics like the difference between CFOs and accountants when it's the right time to engage a CFO, and strategies for driving enterprise value for MSPs.

Mar 05, 202341:49
48 - Unlock Your MSP's Potential

48 - Unlock Your MSP's Potential

In this episode, Nathan Hutchison, Executive Coach from Pax8 is here with Brendan to uncover some of the main obstacles MSPs will face in 2023.

They explore strategies for retaining key staff, understanding existing capacity within your MSP, and how to optimise it.

They also cover the importance of pricing strategies and discuss projects on minimising scope creep.

Feb 19, 202341:23
47 - Stay Ahead of the Curve: MSP Security Landscape in 2023

47 - Stay Ahead of the Curve: MSP Security Landscape in 2023

Get ready for a fascinating conversation with John Milionis, Head of Channels and Alliances for ANZ at Zscaler! This expert in the field is with Brendan to discuss the competitive landscape for MSPs in Australia and New Zealand and the opportunities for growth and success.

Learn about upskilling strategies, the rise of new platforms, SaaS opportunities, the differences between specialist and generalist MSPs, and the future of SD-WAN.

Find out how Zscaler is supporting MSPs with integrated solutions and collaborations.

Hear John's insights on the impact of cyber attacks on cyber security and the significance of Zero Trust.

Chapters:

0:45 The competitive landscape for MSPs in Australia & New Zealand

4:15 How to upskill your team without resources

6:50 Vendors are the new platforms

9:50 The SaaS opportunity for MSPs

14:25 Specialist vs Generalist MSPs

20:30 The future of SD-WAN

26:00 What Zscaler is doing to help MSPs

31:30 Integrated solutions with other vendors

34:30 Have the recent cyber attacks changed perceptions on cyber security?

38:30 What is Zero Trust and how important is it?



Feb 05, 202342:56
46 - Profit Growth through Benchmarking and Operational Maturity

46 - Profit Growth through Benchmarking and Operational Maturity

Peter Kujawa is the VP, Service Leadership & Technology Service Provider Evangelist with Service Leadership, a Connectwise company. He knows a thing or two about the power of benchmarking and how it can be used to drive operational maturity, and ultimately profitability, in MSPs. He's with us on Insights as a Service this week to tell you how to drive continual improvements in your business

Jan 22, 202301:02:13
45 - Aligning Strategy With Sales - Reviewing the Harvard Business School course

45 - Aligning Strategy With Sales - Reviewing the Harvard Business School course

Brendan attended his first course at Harvard Business School last month and gives us his review of the experience in the first episode for 2023. The course, called "Aligning Strategy With Sales", covered off on corporate and sales strategy conception, pricing, distribution methods, recruitment and performance evaluation, marketing methods, and much more. Check out the episode to hear how it went and whether it will suit people in your business.

Jan 08, 202329:25
44 - Starting a podcast for your business

44 - Starting a podcast for your business

Have you thought about starting a podcast for your business? Well, this week, we'll give you a head start by telling you all about the mistakes we made, the feedback we got, the hardware that sucked, the mics that worked best, the software we use, and how we define success.

Nov 20, 202234:19
43 - MSPs need to think differently about legal

43 - MSPs need to think differently about legal

MSPs that get their legal frameworks right minimise risk, drive profitability, and drive Enterprise value. Do you have the right agreements in place? How often do you review them? How are they aligned with ever changing SaaS vendor terms of use? Anne Hall from IT Agree joins Brendan this week to fill you in on how you can get your legal frameworks in order.

Nov 06, 202245:16
42 - A start-up done different

42 - A start-up done different

About 90% of start-ups fail, but what sets apart that successful 10%? Adam Ross co-founder of CloudOlive spills the beans on what it takes to build a successful start-up.

Adam and his co-founder went through the Antler Venture Capital incubator in 2020. They successfully secured funding to solve a universal MSP challenge, SaaS billing management. Now CloudOlive is empowering MSPs all over the globe solving vendor on-billing and contract headaches in leaps and bounds.

Welcome to episode 42 of Insights as a Service, where Brendan and Adam talk about how to get your start-up idea funded, educating your customers, the secret sauce of what really makes a business a business, and the #1 thing to do before building any product.

Get yourself a drink and enjoy this episode of Insights as a Service. As always timestamps are below.

Oct 23, 202239:53
41 - The Optus Hack - and what it teaches us

41 - The Optus Hack - and what it teaches us

By now we have all heard about the Optus hack, with around 10 million people's data at risk, and up to 2 million sensitive records taken. This week we mark the start of Cyber Security Awareness Month by looking at what happened (based on current reporting), what could have been done to prevent it, and what best practice cyber security looks like. Darryl Turner, Head of DevOps at Lightwire, joins Brendan and Nick to go through all the details.

Oct 09, 202242:53
40 - Should Companies Pay Ransoms?

40 - Should Companies Pay Ransoms?

With the recent news of Optus being hit by a cyber attack, this is a timely episode. This week we discuss our experiences at the recent IT Nation Connect and Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo conferences. 

We learned about the biggest cyber security breaches, the evolution in ransomware, mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity, and how every event kicks off with the same video.

Sep 25, 202229:42
39 - What's wrong with LinkedIn?

39 - What's wrong with LinkedIn?

Where is LinkedIn going wrong? LinkedIn was designed to make recruitment and social selling easy. It's the ideal platform to promote your ideas on thought leadership and your personal and business brand. But as it has grown, the platform, and the way people use it, has changed. In this episode, we are joined by Harriet Mellor from Your Sales Co to talk about why we get those hated DMs after connecting with people, whether religion or politics should show up on your feed, the features that are missing, and the content that is preferred by the LinkedIn algorithm.

Sep 18, 202256:17
38 - The art of the "explanabrag"

38 - The art of the "explanabrag"

The thing that makes a business great doesn't always scale. How do you hold on to your formula for success as head count and business complexity grows? This week Nick and Brendan talk through that, along with how the French do business, learning from rejection, and matching business hours to customer availability.

Sep 11, 202233:56
37 - Get that high value exit

37 - Get that high value exit

Greg Sharp sold Base2 to Kordia in 2021 for a 10x multiple, so he knows a thing or two about orchestrating a high value exit. He has also founded a number of other businesses, the latest of which is ZenContract, a SaaS play aimed at helping MSPs build value in their own businesses through simplifying scale. He joins Brendan this week to talk about what drives bigger multiples, where the MSP industry is going, the convergence of Telco and managed services, and what's next for ZenContract.

Sep 04, 202243:36
36 - Rise of the second job

36 - Rise of the second job

Swearing in the workplace is up by 60%. Is this acceptable, and if yes, by whom and in which context? 

The secondary job market has always existed, and most companies were turning a blind eye. Now with the tight labour market we are experiencing, companies are actively seeking workers who can take on a second job. How do you integrate them into your work culture, are they getting enough sleep, and what are the consequences on health and safety measures? Nick and Brendan cover these questions, and a bunch of other industry talking points, in this episode.

Aug 28, 202225:48
35 - The Revenue Delusion (when profit is a dirty word)

35 - The Revenue Delusion (when profit is a dirty word)

Here's how to avoid profitability issues in your business. What's your end game? And how can you work back from that definition to create the required building blocks for success? Adrien Nisbet works with businesses under stress to turn them around and/or to help execute owner exits. In this episode, he talks through the ways to define your end game, the data to track, the need for tangible assets, value based pricing, the revenue delusion, and more...

Aug 21, 202237:56
34 - NZ chickens are tougher

34 - NZ chickens are tougher

Matt Bristow, GM of ONGC, joins Brendan and Nick to talk about starting up a security operations centre (SOC) and how his business implemented a cost effective entry into the security space. The guys also discuss whether "guys" is a gender neutral term, how fibre build times are blowing out, and why a 20 mile march matters.

Aug 14, 202234:49
33 - What's your MSP worth?

33 - What's your MSP worth?

Will Slappey's business (IT Voice) had bought 8 business in the two years leading up to his chat with Brendan. That conversation was recorded 4 weeks ago, since then he has acquired two more. In short, he knows a thing or two about acquiring business in the ICT market. Check out this episode to hear his views on M&A during a recession, valuation methodologies, retaining key staff, and much more.

Aug 07, 202255:49
32 - No position on social issues - good or bad?

32 - No position on social issues - good or bad?

Kaseya's CEO says his company has no position on any social issue, is this the right approach? And how much value is lost when there is no cultural alignment in an acquisition? Nick and Brendan cover these questions, and a bunch of other industry talking points, in this episode filmed in Lightwire's Gold Coast office.

Jul 31, 202229:25
31 - Zero Trust Defined

31 - Zero Trust Defined

Zero Trust is a term increasingly used in cyber security circles, but it means different things to different people, and it feels like each brand has a different take on it. So how to make sense of what Zero Trust really means? Masaki Takeda, Network Delivery Manager at The Instillery, joins Brendan to get to the bottom of it.

Jul 24, 202229:44
30 - Justify that conference cost

30 - Justify that conference cost

So much of the value on offer at conferences comes down to the connections you can make, but it can be hard to come out of your shell and feel confident approaching strangers. 

What should you lead with? How to get out of the chat if it's not going well? And what events are even worthwhile? 

Harriet Mellor from Your Sales Co. joins Nick and Brendan to talk networking strategies, what defines success when you have your own podcast, and where regulation isn't keeping pace with tech.

Jul 17, 202233:17
29 - Customer success for MSPs - The guide

29 - Customer success for MSPs - The guide

MSPs need a Customer Success process that is scalable, repeatable, documentable, and efficient… with metrics and a system to ensure the customer feels heard. When you concentrate on the people, programs, processes, and products that make a positive impact for your customers, their success guarantees your MSP’s success.

Marnie Stockman wrote the book on customer success for MSPs... literally, and this week she joins Brendan to spell it out.

Jul 10, 202241:14
28 - What does the recession mean for you?

28 - What does the recession mean for you?

Depending on who you talk to, a recession is either looming or is already here.

But does that present opportunity in the tech sector? And for MSPs, could it ease the pressure caused by current the shortage of skilled workers?

Nick and Brendan dive into all that, discussing the wasted money on digital ads and the razor-thin margins in the B2C telco space complicating Telstra's plan to bring support roles back onshore.

Jul 03, 202224:59
27 - Live from Zenith Live with Jeremy Nees

27 - Live from Zenith Live with Jeremy Nees

Brendan and Jeremy Nees (Chief Operations Officer at The Instillery) woke up early to watch the Zscaler’s Zenith Live, so you don’t have to. Cyber security is one of the biggest opportunities for MSPs to add value, and this episode will offer you a glimpse into the future of cyber security.

From the highlights to frictionless user experience AND cyber security to the possible end of SD-WAN, tune in to this week's episode to get a full recap of the biggest event in cyber security, Zscaler's Zenith Live 2022. 

Jun 26, 202238:23
26 - No previous experience? You're hired!

26 - No previous experience? You're hired!

Good people are hard to find, so why limit your reach to people with industry specific experience? And have you thought about how to better attract women to your business? This week Catherine Dearlove joins Brendan to share her story of coming into a tech role for the first time, how to get more women applying for positions in your organisation, and the challenges faced by women in this male dominated sector.

Jun 19, 202222:41
25 - Brendan's 4 day working week

25 - Brendan's 4 day working week

Is Elon Musk a giant tool? 

Can a 4 day work week work in the tech sector? Will Spain pass a law to force telcos to answer all calls within 3 minutes? Brendan and Nick tackle the big issues while enjoying some quality Lightwire gin.

Jun 12, 202229:20
24 - NBN gets schooled

24 - NBN gets schooled

NZ's UFB fibre rollout has set a standard that Australia's NBN is miles from even getting close to. This week Richard Riley, Chief Customer Officer for NZ's 2nd biggest fibre carrier, Tuatahi First Fibre, joins Brendan to talk about where NBN went wrong, how 5G is impacting fibre uptake, and what TFF is doing to deliver on digital equity.

Jun 05, 202257:02
23 - The dickhead test

23 - The dickhead test

The DHT, or dickhead test, is an important part of any interview process. People buy from people, and you need to make sure your people will rep your brand as you would. Nick and Brendan dive into that and also talk through how a recession, if that's what we're heading for, will affect MSPs, and why Brendan is such a marketing fanboy.

May 29, 202226:03
22 - Getting beaten up by the Dev team

22 - Getting beaten up by the Dev team

Just because you have developers ready to work on new products or features doesn’t mean they should. Adding more products or features doesn’t equate to better business results. Creating solutions clients want starts with getting the basics right.

Join Brendan and Nick in this back to basics episode on how you can partner with customers and internal teams for continuous (product) improvements, how to market new products and features, and to think strategy like Jeff Bezos.

May 22, 202231:38
21 - What makes an effective leader

21 - What makes an effective leader

With skills shortages biting, it’s never been more critical for businesses to create pathways for emerging leaders. But what makes an effective leader? And how can we nurture those traits?

This week Brendan is talking to leadership coach Amanda Russo, a subject matter expert who works with businesses to get the best from existing leaders and create the next generation of highly effective leaders.

May 15, 202249:28
20 - The Inflation Opportunity – Future proof your MSP

20 - The Inflation Opportunity – Future proof your MSP

In this period of rampant inflation, your margins will inevitably be eroded if you don’t raise your prices. Efficiency within your sales team and company are key to thrive in a high inflation environment.

Brendan and Nick are here to help MSPs like you to adjust pricing without losing your credibility, how to drive efficiencies in your sales team and company, and much more.

May 08, 202230:17
19 - Sales people are coin operated

19 - Sales people are coin operated

Harriet Mellor runs Your Sales Co, a sales training company that works extensively in the tech sector. This week she joined Brendan to talk all things related to sales success, both for individuals and organisations. Topics include team structure, the importance of personal branding and aligning it with your company positioning, what metrics to look for when using Social Media, vendor management, and more.

May 01, 202256:22
18 - A shortage of everything, from people to hardware

18 - A shortage of everything, from people to hardware

How can the nimble MSPs compete with the big companies when it comes to recruitment? And how does your company culture play an essential role in attracting, and retaining, top talent?

Highly skilled people aren't the only thing in short supply - The current shortage of hardware is adding to the pressure MSPs are feeling...

Brendan and Nick discuss these key issues facing MSPs in this week's episode.

Apr 10, 202226:32
17 - Low cost 10Gbps fibre without the complexity

17 - Low cost 10Gbps fibre without the complexity

Enable complete utilisation of the cloud by taking the breaks off your client WANs. Kurt Rodgers, Network Strategy Manager for Chorus, NZ's largest fibre carrier, joins us to talk Hyperfibre, the 10Gbps access FttP service that is low cost and takes the complexity out of hyperscale connectivity.

Apr 03, 202246:09
16 - What Teams Phone lacks

16 - What Teams Phone lacks

Not sure whether Teams Phone is the fit for your clients? Wondering how to scope it? In this episode, Brendan & Nick walk through the features, breaking each section into small digestible bits with just a hint of DJ horn.

Mar 27, 202234:16
15 - How to differentiate your MSP with Nigel Moore

15 - How to differentiate your MSP with Nigel Moore

This is part 2 of the in-depth conversation between Brendan and Nigel from The Tech Tribe. Nigel shares his MSP Sales and Marketing experience from helping more than 3000 MSPs around the world. How to differentiate your brand in a commoditized market and where Voice fits in a service offering, along with privacy and security matters.


Mar 20, 202245:31
14 - Empowering MSPs to grow, scale and operate more effectively - with Nigel Moore

14 - Empowering MSPs to grow, scale and operate more effectively - with Nigel Moore

This week Brendan had a chat with Nigel Moore from The Tech Tribe! He has worked in a MSPs, owned one himself, and of course, now has this community that's empowering MSPs to grow, scale and operate more effectively.

This episode is Part One of their conversation.



Mar 13, 202242:45