Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

Marvin Bee

The IT Business Podcast is a show for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT Professionals providing business network support and managed services. The podcast aims to provide actionable advice and tips that help IT businesses survive and grow in the competitive tech industry. The podcast features guest interviews with seasoned IT professionals, business owners, vendors and industry leaders who share their experiences, insights, and strategies for success. These discussions often cover topics such as: - Best Practices for Managed Services - Cybersecurity - Compliance - Business ownership - Cloud computing

  1. Live at ACES with Brian Best (EP 1006)

    2H AGO

    Live at ACES with Brian Best (EP 1006)

    Recorded on‑site at the Elliott Park Hotel during ACES 2026, this conversation kicks off with a quick behind‑the‑scenes look at the venue, the vibe, and why this Apple‑centric event cares more about P&L than power users. I walk through how ACES is structured as a business‑first conference for Apple IT providers, covering topics like pricing, marketing, HR, scaling, and work‑life balance, with zero tool pitches from the stage and everything bundled into a focused two‑day experience. Then I catch up with Brian Best from Best Mac, who has attended and spoken at all twelve ACES events, and we get into the real talk about running a Mac‑focused MSP in a Windows‑dominated world. Brian shares how the Apple side of the channel is mostly small to mid‑sized MSPs, how his own M&A experience with LogicNow and SolarWinds reshaped his business, and why co‑managed Apple support is a powerful play for Windows‑first MSPs serving mixed environments. Chapters 00:17 ACES Conference Intro 02:01 What ACES Is 04:37 Conference Venue Tour 06:50 Reconnecting With Brian Best 08:22 Why ACES Matters 12:00 SolarWinds Deal Backstory 14:54 Windows And Mac Blend 15:54 Getting Mac Help === Guest: Brian Best Company: BestMacs – IT support for Apple-powered businesses Website: https://bestmacs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-j-best === Shout-outs Justin Escar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar Eric Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/ === Companies / Vendors / Products / Books ACES Conference: https://acesconf.com/ All Things MSP (podcast / community): https://www.facebook.com/allthingsmsp The Brit (pub in Minneapolis – likely “Brit’s Pub”): https://www.britspub.com Elliott Park Hotel: https://www.elliottparkhotel.com Macworld Expo: https://www.macworld.com N-able: https://www.n-able.com === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    18 min
  2. MSP Branding In An AI World (EP 1005)

    6D AGO

    MSP Branding In An AI World (EP 1005)

    Most of us put huge effort into our tech stack and very little into how our team actually shows up in front of clients. In this conversation with MSP owner, branding coach, and author Lisa Shorr, we talk about why a “solid stack” is not enough if your clients experience you as slow, unresponsive, or robotic. We dig into real stories from the field, including a law firm that fired their IT provider for being “not responsive,” and how simple shifts in communication, presence, and expectations can completely change that story. We also tackle the AI rush head‑on: how to decide whether a new automation actually strengthens or weakens client relationships, where QBRs and client touchpoints fit into a more automated world, and why empathy, adaptability, and critical thinking are still your unfair advantage. If you’ve ever felt the tension between “being efficient” and “being human,” this one will hit home. Chapters 00:32 Introduction to Money, Marketing, and Growth 02:56 The Importance of Human Connection 03:23 Navigating AI and Automation 05:51 Workshops and Trends in MSPs 08:37 Balancing AI and Client Interaction 11:09 Building a Framework for AI Implementation 18:09 The Role of Empathy in Client Relationships 20:55 Success Stories and Client Experiences 23:55 Internal Branding and Image 30:30 Consistency in Branding 35:14 Challenges Faced by MSPs Today 41:42 Unleashing Your Brand with Shore Success === Guest: Lisa Shorr Company: Shorr Success – https://shorrsuccess.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisashorr Your B.R.A.N.D. Unleashed (book): https://amzn.to/4tqZXOi === Companies / Vendors / Products / Books Pax8: https://www.pax8.com Claude (Anthropic): https://www.anthropic.com Microsoft Copilot: https://www.microsoft.com/copilot Gamma: https://gamma.app The Managed Intelligence Provider Playbook (Pax8 report): https://www.pax8nebula.com/m/47ae41fea05803a4/original/The-Managed-Intelligence-Provider-Playbook.pdf === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    45 min
  3. MSP Billing, Margins And Growth (EP 1004)

    MAY 8

    MSP Billing, Margins And Growth (EP 1004)

    I brought Colin back on because he’s one of the few people in our space who’s actually lived it all: tech, MSP owner, and now multiple vendor exits. We walk through how the “simple” stuff like billing reconciliation quietly drains profit from MSPs, with the average million‑dollar shop leaving a shocking amount of money on the table because they aren’t tracking seats, renewals, or vendor price hikes closely enough. Colin breaks down how Gradient’s Managed Billing Reconciliation works in practice and why treating billing like MDR for your finances can free up weeks of internal time while actually improving client trust instead of hurting it. From there, we shift into marketing, which is still the number one challenge I hear from MSPs that want to grow but hate content creation. Colin explains how MSP Studio started as free, canned marketing kits and evolved into MSP Studio Plus: an AI‑driven platform that creates fully branded, non‑cookie‑cutter social content and even runs in an “autopilot” mode so you just review and approve. We talk honestly about agency pricing, the rise of AI, why smaller MSPs can’t always justify $1,500–$2,500 per month on social media retainers, and what “good enough” looks like if you’re under $1M and trying to move up without losing your mind. Chapters 01:10 Introduction to MSP Insights 02:12 Billing Challenges for MSPs 05:50 Price Adjustments and Customer Communication 10:37 Revenue Opportunities in Software Migration 11:19 Introduction to Managed Billing Reconciliation (MBR) 15:04 Overview of Gradient's Pricing Structure 16:30 Marketing Strategies for MSPs 19:54 Launch of MSP Studio Plus 22:52 AI-Driven Content Creation 25:26 The Importance of Marketing Visibility 35:29 Common Misconceptions Among MSPs 40:28 Navigating MSP Growth Strategies 45:19 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects === GUEST: Colin Knox, Gradient MSP Website: https://www.meetgradient.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realityknox === COMPANIES / VENDORS / PRODUCTS / BOOKS Passportal: https://www.passportal.com N-able: https://www.n-able.com Kaseya: https://www.kaseya.com ConnectWise: https://www.connectwise.com MSPCFO https://www.mspcfo.com === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    47 min
  4. MSP Marketing for Real Growth (EP 1003)

    MAY 8

    MSP Marketing for Real Growth (EP 1003)

    Laura walks me through her “Know, Grow, Scale” framework and how most MSPs are trying to jump straight to lead gen while their business is still “root bound” at the foundation level. We talk about diagnostics, digital health, differentiation, and why your website, offers, and content have to actually say something meaningful before you ever expect your marketing to convert. We also get into mindset: the difference between a 500K MSP and a 5M+ MSP, and what it really means to be “growth ready” as an owner. Laura shares some spicy takes on overhyped Google Ads, what “AI searchable” really means for MSPs, why you should talk about pricing, and how to move forward if you’ve already been burned by a marketing agency. Chapters 00:00 MSP Marketing for Real Growth: Month kickoff 01:00 Why I brought Laura Johns on to talk real MSP growth 02:30 Laura’s journey from telecom and MSPs to The Business Growers 05:20 What actually makes this MSP marketing approach different 07:50 The “health score” and the Know–Grow–Scale framework 11:20 Why “set it and forget it” marketing fails most MSPs 13:20 Cold calling myths and the 3–5% ready‑to‑buy reality 14:35 Who this works for: from 500K MSPs to 25M providers 17:10 2x vs 10x mindset: how serious are you about growth? 19:40 Spicy take: why Google Ads won’t save a broken strategy 22:30 What being “AI searchable” really looks like for MSPs 23:50 Talking price, filtering bad leads, and better-fit clients 26:30 Burned by a previous marketing agency? How to reset 29:10 Competition, geography, and why differentiation wins 36:00 Doing what works in your market vs staying stuck 38:00 Laura’s final advice: get a real diagnostic before you scale Guest: Laura Johns, The Business Growers Website – https://thebusinessgrowers.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapickardjohns Get More MSP Leads (podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Awr19JiyZz3UBJxXlPNg7 Shout-outs Lydia Walker,: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiaawalker Companies / Vendors / Products / Books Get More MSP Leads (podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/1Awr19JiyZz3UBJxXlPNg7 Endless Customers (Marcus Sheridan): https://amzn.to/42WJbvG They Ask, You Answer (Marcus Sheridan): https://amzn.to/4dw7ExZ 10X Is Easier Than 2X (Dan Sullivan): https://amzn.to/42ixXBA === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    41 min
  5. Money, Marketing And MSP Growth 2026 (EP 1002)

    MAY 7

    Money, Marketing And MSP Growth 2026 (EP 1002)

    Chapters 01:08 Welcome to the IT Business Podcast 05:47 Cloud Hosting Exploration 19:41 Upcoming Conferences and Events 20:53 Acronis Event Announcement 23:43 Rant Warning: Caution Ahead 27:47 Family and Business Challenges 33:44 Vendor Relationships and Fairness 39:40 Navigating Vendor Changes 43:40 Industry Dynamics and Perspectives 52:16 Conclusion and Future Content This one starts with a straightforward need: move a single line‑of‑business app into the cloud without spinning up a quarter‑rack, buying hardware, and babysitting it in a data center. I share how I landed on VULTR for this client, what the initial sales experience looked like, how fast I was able to spin up a Windows Server, and why the simplicity of their model was a breath of fresh air compared to my previous AWS journey. I also touch on Nerdio as a possible front‑end to AWS for those who want the power without the pain. From there, we zoom out into the bigger picture: evaluating SLIDE against Datto, why I sent the SLIDE appliance back even though the tech worked, and what aggressive sales, disappearing commissions, and shifting partner programs are doing to MSPs who are trying to run a stable business on a budget. I talk candidly about losing 150 endpoints, keeping the doors open, supporting family, and still planning for 30 years in business while vendors like AppRiver quietly change how they pay partners. We wrap with what Money Marketing and Growth Month will cover, a preview of the ACES Mac conference, and a few Florida Man stories to keep it all human. Acronis Event The Pivotal Point of IT: https://go.acronis.com/itbusinesspodcast Florida Man Florida Man Arrested for Plucking the Chicken at Chick-Fil-A Drive Thru: https://linkly.link/2iQiu Florida Man Arrested at Walmart for Banana Trick: https://linkly.link/2iQio Secret Service Agent Arrested on Charges of Indecent Exposure: https://linkly.link/2iQiy Shout-outs Tom Wyant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaswyant/ Chris Flusche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-flusche-b391037b/ Dave Scott, Scott Growth Strategies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davescott Tim Fitzpatrick, Rialto Marketing: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timpfitzpatrick Lisa Shorr, Shorr Success: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisashorr/ Colin Knox, Gradient: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realityknox/ Laura Johns, The Business Growers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapickardjohns/ Nate Friedman, Tech Pro Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natefreedman/ Chris Wiser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwiser/ Robin Robins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinrobins/ Justin Esgar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/ ACES Conference: https://acesconf.com/ Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned MSP Unplugged Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mspunplugged Synology: https://www.synology.com Nerdio: https://getnerdio.com VULTR: https://www.vultr.com SLIDE: https://slide.tech/ Datto: https://www.datto.com Kaseya: https://www.kaseya.com AppRiver: https://cybersecurity.opentext.com/legacy/appriver === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    53 min
  6. Turn Buildings Into ISP Profit (EP 1001)

    APR 30

    Turn Buildings Into ISP Profit (EP 1001)

    Most of us have helped clients “call the carrier” or work with a master agent to bring in a circuit, grab a small commission, and move on. Brian flips that script and shows how MSPs can own the relationship by bringing a bulk fiber circuit into the building, carving it up, and billing each tenant under our own brand—while still leveraging master agents and existing carrier relationships. Instead of letting AT&T, Comcast, or Verizon lock in a 10-year deal and toss a small one-time check to the landlord, this model puts the monthly recurring revenue in the MSP’s column and turns the property owner into a real partner. Chapters 01:06 Welcome to the IT Business Podcast 02:37 Embracing Mistakes in IT 14:34 Sponsored by ThreatLocker 15:41 Introducing Brian Higgins 17:13 From MSP to ISP 20:19 Understanding the Business Model 24:47 The Value of Fiber Connections 47:27 Tenant Agreements and Cash Flow 51:42 The Journey to ISP Services 58:34 Closing Thoughts and Florida Man Story Guest: Brian Higgins, Aditum Connect Website: https://aditumconnect.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwhiggins/ Acronis Event The Pivotal Point of IT: https://go.acronis.com/itbusinesspodcast Florida Man Man, 68, known for portraying Santa accused of trying to meet 13-year-old for sex: sheriff: https://linkly.link/2i8Qq Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned Acronis: https://www.acronis.com Microsoft 365 (M365): https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365 Barracuda: https://www.barracuda.com MX Toolbox: https://mxtoolbox.com intoDNS: https://intodns.com Mail Tester: https://www.mail-tester.com Ubiquiti: https://ui.com SonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    1h 1m
  7. Podnutz Pro Reunion And Legacy (EP 1000)

    APR 27

    Podnutz Pro Reunion And Legacy (EP 1000)

    If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep a show going for a thousand episodes while still running tickets, projects, and staff, this one pulls back the curtain. I talk with Matt Rainey, Lalo Nuñez, Martin Obando, and Dawn Sizer about how Podnutz Pro started as a way to teach desktop techs the server side of the house, and how that spirit of “learn out loud” carried into the IT Business Podcast. We revisit the early days of computer repair, WRT54G routers, Windows Server 2003, and A+‑era hardware, then fast‑forward to today’s world of Azure, SharePoint, co‑managed IT, and remote teams spread across the country. Hear unfiltered stories from the original Podnutz Pro crew about why the show was created and how it helped techs move from desktops to servers and networking. Get real talk on burnout, closing or leaving your MSP, and transitioning into roles at other providers while still staying close to the work. Chapters 02:10 Welcome to Episode 1000 04:07 Reunion of the Original Hosts 05:52 Life Updates from the Hosts 07:34 The State of IT Today 11:48 A Surprise Guest Joins 14:24 Reflections on PodNuts Days 16:41 The Evolution of IT Knowledge 21:06 Challenges in Today's Tech 27:59 Mentorship and Learning in IT 29:59 The Importance of Troubleshooting 41:37 Celebrating a Milestone 49:01 Automation in Everyday Life 52:31 The Future of IT Networking 1:14:24 The Cloud vs. On-Premise Debate 1:19:17 Closing Thoughts from the Hosts 1:26:56 Special Acknowledgments and Thanks 1:32:11 Farewell and Future Plans Guests Matt Rainey: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/guests/matt-rainey/ Martin Obando: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobando/ Lalo Nunez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldonunez/ Dawn Sizer, Third Element Consulting: https://www.3rdelementconsulting.com Shout-outs Eric Anthony, All Things MSP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esanthony/ Tom Wyatt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaswyant/ Diana Giles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianagiles/ Tom Bull: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tworivercomputer/ Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned Podnutz (network / show): https://podnutz.com All Things MSP: https://allthingsmsp.com Fluke LinkIQ Duo (Fluke Networks): https://amzn.to/4t1T3ih Home Gadget Geeks (podcast): https://theaverageguy.tv === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    1h 33m
  8. Understanding Copilot For MSPs (EP 999)

    APR 24

    Understanding Copilot For MSPs (EP 999)

    This conversation with Brian Weiss starts with Copilot, but it quickly becomes an honest look at how unprepared most of us are for AI inside client environments. I talk about being just like my customers—dabbling in random AI tools—while Brian lays out what it actually takes to make Copilot useful: modern workplace, SharePoint/OneDrive, sane file structures, and real governance instead of “S: drive chaos.” We also get into the reality that Copilot isn’t just “another ChatGPT,” it’s an ecosystem of role-based copilots that only work as well as the data and structure we give them. We dig into Purview (including the fact that many of us already have basic capabilities in Business Premium and never turned them on), sensitivity labels, DLP, and why chain of custody should be every MSP’s go-to phrase with law firms and other regulated clients. Brian also shares how his team is going Microsoft‑first with Dynamics, Business Central, and custom agents so AI can sit on top of their PSA, finance, and security data instead of being yet another disconnected tool. It’s a real-world, practical roadmap for MSPs trying to move from “AI curiosity” to actual AI strategy. Chapters: 01:39 AI: The New Frontier 03:39 Copilot Adoption Challenges 05:46 Data Governance and AI 08:08 Document Management Dilemmas 09:35 The Leadership Gap 12:17 Understanding AI Readiness 14:14 Training and Adoption Failures 18:30 Security and Leadership Expectations 23:04 Client AI Implementation Strategies 25:06 Exploring Copilot Variants 27:36 The Role of AI in Security 34:02 Managing Data Sensitivity 37:28 The Strategic Advisor's Role 44:49 Upcoming AI Panel Discussion 49:09 Closing Thoughts and Episode 1000 Preview Guest: Brian Weiss, ITECH Solutions:  Website: https://www.itech-solutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjweiss Shout-outs:  Carolyn Healey, (Copilot / AI strategist, independent): –https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynhealey Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlcoppedge/ Pinar Ormeci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pinarormeci/ Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned: TekStack: https://www.tekstack.com/ Pax8: https://www.pax8.com Lexful: https://www.lexful.com ChannelPro Network: https://www.channelpronetwork.com  MSSP Alert: https://www.msspalert.com  ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://chatgpt.com  Claude (Anthropic Claude): https://claude.ai  === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv 🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The IT Business Podcast is a show for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and IT Professionals providing business network support and managed services. The podcast aims to provide actionable advice and tips that help IT businesses survive and grow in the competitive tech industry. The podcast features guest interviews with seasoned IT professionals, business owners, vendors and industry leaders who share their experiences, insights, and strategies for success. These discussions often cover topics such as: - Best Practices for Managed Services - Cybersecurity - Compliance - Business ownership - Cloud computing

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