The Right Technology Podcast

WorkSmart IT
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

IT should enable your business, not restrict it. In this podcast, IT experts and business owners discuss how and why to choose the right people and the right technology to run a successful organization today.

Episodes

  1. Email Deliverability / Credibility, DMARC with Jason Kleinman

    06/16/2024

    Email Deliverability / Credibility, DMARC with Jason Kleinman

    Any business looking to enhance email deliverability and security should know about DMARC. In this episode Jason Kleinman helps demystify DMARC, explaining its importance in protecting domain integrity and ensuring email communications reach their intended recipients without being blocked or misdirected. Jason Kleiman is a service manager at Worksmart and has over two decades of experience in both technical and management roles within the IT industry. Starting as a consultant in 2003, Jason leverages his extensive background to bring valuable insights and solutions to clients [0:00:00] Introduction of the episode and guest Jason Kleiman [0:00:22] Jason's background and roles at Worksmart [0:01:21] Introduction to the topic of DMARC and its recent relevance [0:02:27] Explanation of DMARC: its components and benefits [0:04:18] Real-world application and importance of DMARC in preventing domain spoofing [0:05:21] How DMARC impacts email performance and marketing efforts [0:06:32] The necessity of ongoing DMARC management [0:08:00] DMARC's role in ensuring consistency and security in corporate communications [0:09:21] Closing discussion and future outlook on DMARC services Connect with Clay Harris on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Kleiman on LinkedIn

    10 min
  2. Microsoft Tools You Already Pay For

    06/16/2024

    Microsoft Tools You Already Pay For

    Most companies already pay for the automation tools they need to streamline workflows, but either aren’t aware of their existence or how to take advantage. In this episode, Samantha, who leads learning and development lead at WorkSmart, shares some of the hidden tools like Power Automate in Microsoft 365 packages that many companies already pay for. Samantha Burks brings 15 years of diverse experience in education, teaching students ranging from pre-K to high school and pre-service teachers, both domestically and internationally, before joining WorkSmart to focus on learning and development. Timestamps: (0:00:00) Introduction to the podcast guest Samantha Burks (0:00:44) Samantha discusses her transition from education to a role at WorkSmart. (0:02:27) Exploration of Microsoft 365 and Power Automate for solving workplace challenges. (0:04:00) Automating reminders for WorkSmart's well-being reimbursements using Microsoft tools. (0:07:02) Creating a weekly email digest from Teams messages to ensure no information is missed. (0:09:26) Reflecting on Samantha's creative solutions and closing the episode with thanks. Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/seburks/⁠ Connect with Clay on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayharris/

    10 min
  3. IT Strategy Meeting, What and Why?

    06/16/2024

    IT Strategy Meeting, What and Why?

    The “break-fix” approach to IT is not a suitable long-term solution. In this episode, we meet Laura Josephson who emphasizes how proactive IT management drives a company’s longterm success. Laura Josephson, a senior client success manager at Worksmart, brings over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. With a background that includes owning her own company and teaching computer science, Laura is adept at advising small to mid-sized businesses and aligning their technology needs with strategic goals. Timestamps [0:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Laura Josephson [0:00:32] Laura’s introduction and background [0:01:19] Insights on teaching computer science and client education [0:01:56] Discussion on ITSM and aligning services with client strategies [0:03:11] Example of strategic meeting outcomes [0:04:58] Overview of IT infrastructure review and proactive measures [0:06:05] Details on IT strategy meeting components [0:08:15] Addressing security in IT strategy [0:09:35] The importance of a collaborative approach in IT services [0:10:41] Discussion on MFA and educational role in IT strategy [0:11:16] Closing remarks and thanks to Laura ⁠Connect with Clay Harris on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Connect with Laura Josephson on LinkedIn

    12 min
  4. WorkSmart's New Services

    06/16/2024

    WorkSmart's New Services

    In this episode of the Right Technology Podcast, Marissa Wehman discusses the mounting and potential risks to IT for small businesses and four new services WorkSmart has rolled out to address them. Marissa Wehman, Director of Client Success, oversees the teams that manage over 500 companies’ IT infrastructure. And she neatly describes these four new services clients are looking for: Managed DMARC (Email Trust): Enhances email security, ensures deliverability, and protects sender reputation. Cloud Malware Protection (Cloud Protect): Protects cloud infrastructure, including email and collaboration tools, from malware. SD WAN: Optimizes internet connectivity for reliable, secure, and efficient cloud access. Microsoft 365 Control Service: Monitors and secures Microsoft 365 settings against best practices, prevents drift. Timestamps: (0:00:00) Introduction to the Right Technology Podcast (0:00:31) Marissa Wehman’s background and evolution at WorkSmart (0:01:39) How client engagement has changed since 2008 (0:03:46) Introduction of new services focused on security (0:03:59) Deep dive into managed DMARC (Email Trust) (0:06:19) Discussion on Cloud Malware Protection (Cloud Protect) (0:09:08) Explanation of SD WAN for cloud optimization (0:10:57) Overview of Microsoft 365 Control Service Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissawehman/⁠ Connect with Clay on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayharris/

    13 min

  5. 06/16/2024

    Cyber Security and IT Insurance with Chad Bickers

    In addition to working with a dedicated IT MSP, cyber insurance can help mitigate against the potential losses in case things go wrong. Chad Bickers, who has long been a client and insurance provider for WorkSmart IT, talks about the IT safety needs of small businesses today. Chad Bickers has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and has watched the emergence and evolution of cyber insurance and what it means for businesses. (0:00:33) - Herring and Bickers Insurance Agency has been around since 1996 (0:01:31) - Why did you choose Worksmart over other insurance providers (0:06:33) - Cyber insurance was once thought of that larger corporations needed it (0:11:48) - Sometimes there are vendor claims that if you do this, then insurance will be cheaper (0:12:19) - So let's briefly get into rates. So if you're a smaller company and Connect with Chad by phone: 919-479-9900 Connect with Clay on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayharris/

    18 min
  6. WorkSmart's Proven Process

    06/16/2024

    WorkSmart's Proven Process

    WorkSmart uses service framework called the ‘Proven Process’, which structures iterative strategy and process reviews and upgrades. Kim Sullivan, the Integrator at WorkSmart, describes how this framework helps WorkSmart evolve with, predict, and meet clients wants and needs. Kim Sullivan, the Integrator at WorkSmart, began her carer in biotech and now has a decade of experience in IT. She is driven by her passion for working with and helping people, which has been a defining part of her career at WorkSmart. (0:00:20) Introduction of Kim Sullivan, WorkSmart's vice president and integrator. (0:00:31) Kim Sullivan shares her background transitioning from biotech to IT. (0:01:16) Discussion on the biggest change seen at WorkSmart over ten years. (0:01:59) Explanation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its implementation at WorkSmart. (0:03:44) Overview of WorkSmart's proven process from client orientation to ongoing strategic reviews. (0:06:43) Immediate support available for new clients alongside the onboarding process. (0:08:17) Organizing the team into smaller pods for personalized client service. ⁠Connect with Kim on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Connect with Clay on LinkedIn

    10 min
  7. Top Reasons for Switching MSPs

    06/16/2024

    Top Reasons for Switching MSPs

    When businesses pay for IT services, they really are buying a partner who will help further their goals. Jim Rappl, senior business advisor and twenty year IT industry vet, shares his perspective on why many companies switch IT managed service providers. Jim emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership that some IT providers leave their customers wanting. (0:00:42) Jim Rappel shares his extensive IT and MSP background and his role at WorkSmart. (0:01:13) Explaining what MSP means to clients and how WorkSmart serves different client needs. (0:02:06) Identifying potential clients' needs and emphasizing the importance of relationship in MSP services. (0:03:26) Turning client feedback into actionable IT strategies through regular strategic sessions. (0:05:08) Discussing customization in IT solutions and avoiding force-fit solutions for clients. (0:07:32) The collaborative approach from initial conversation to onboarding and continuous engagement with clients. (0:08:14) Final advice for small business owners looking for an MSP, emphasizing personal connection and communication. Connect with Jim on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-rappl-93a3262/⁠ Connect with Clay on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayharris/

    9 min
  8. IT Fren-petitors, email deliverability, and M&A with Dan Wilson

    06/16/2024

    IT Fren-petitors, email deliverability, and M&A with Dan Wilson

    Selecting an IT managed service provider is an important decision. In tis episode, Dan Wilson, who used to run his own IT MSP, reveals the most important things to consider when selecting an IT partner. Dan Wilson is veteran of the United States military, an ex-owner operator of an IT MSP which he sold in 2019, and now he works with Viking mergers and acquisitions to help other business owners do the same. (0:01:35) - How long have you been at Viking and how many offices have opened (0:02:17) - Viking is a great choice when choosing an IT partner for your business (0:04:17) - Dan worksmart: Having repeatable processes is huge for Viking (0:05:45) - Dan: Viking has been working with you on improving outbound email delivery (0:09:17) - Dan Wilson works with business owners who are considering an exit from their business Contact Dan at  ⁠⁠dwilson@vikingmergers.com⁠⁠ ⁠Connect with Clay on LinkedIn

    12 min
  9. How WorkSmart Helps Customers

    06/16/2024

    How WorkSmart Helps Customers

    If your computer system shuts down, all business activity stops. Amanda Tharrington joins us to share a recent client disaster and how WorkSmart worked to solve it. Amanda Tharrington transitioned from a seven-year career in healthcare operations to IT services, bringing a strong passion for client service and operational excellence to the tech industry. Timestamps: (0:00:45) Amanda shares her background transitioning from healthcare operations to IT services at WorkSmart. (0:02:48) Discussion on the evolution of IT support and Managed IT Services provided by WorkSmart. (0:04:16) Example of client support during a critical software issue and the 36-hour resolution process. (0:06:16) Emphasis on proactive service to prevent issues and the role of reactive support when needed. (0:07:48) The compassionate and patient approach of WorkSmart's team in dealing with clients' IT problems. (0:08:38) Closing remarks and invitation to connect with Amanda and Clay on LinkedIn for more discussions on customer service and IT support. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandatharrington/⁠ Connect with Clay on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayharris/

    9 min
  • 9 Episodes

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IT should enable your business, not restrict it. In this podcast, IT experts and business owners discuss how and why to choose the right people and the right technology to run a successful organization today.

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