In this conversation, Adam Walter discusses the importance of personal touches in business relationships, emphasizing how small gestures, like delivering Christmas donuts, can create lasting memories and foster client loyalty. He highlights that clients may forget technical details but will remember the care and thoughtfulness shown to them.
In this episode, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the importance of AI in business strategy, particularly for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). They explore how MSPs can leverage AI to enhance client growth, manage risks, and augment employee capabilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for MSPs to become authorities on AI, guiding their clients through the adoption process and demonstrating the practical applications of AI tools. The hosts also highlight the importance of building strong relationships with clients by providing valuable insights and support in navigating the evolving technological landscape.
(updated version, sorry about the bad update everyone!)
AI is evolving rapidly and has significant implications for businesses.
The internet revolution parallels the current AI revolution in terms of impact.
Businesses need to adopt AI tools to remain competitive.
Three core AIs are essential for business success: research assistant, document builder, and advanced IT tools.
AI can automate tasks that traditionally required human effort, increasing productivity.
Building AI tools can be done quickly and cost-effectively.
Embracing AI can lead to innovative business models and opportunities.
Skepticism around AI exists due to past technological disappointments.
AI can augment staff capabilities, making small teams more powerful.
Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in the AI landscape.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the concept of defining finish lines in both business and personal contexts. They explore the challenges of scope creep, the importance of iterative processes, and the need for continuous improvement. The discussion emphasizes the significance of setting achievable goals, engaging with clients for feedback, and celebrating small wins along the way. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to find their own finish lines and keep moving forward in their personal and professional lives.
In this engaging conversation, Adam Walter and Coach Hess discuss the importance of leadership, team building, and personal growth. They explore strategies for empowering teams, fostering respect, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Coach Hess shares insights from his experiences in sports and business, emphasizing the value of knowing team members personally and setting common goals.
In this conversation, Coach Hess shares his journey from a successful basketball coach to a business coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's 'why' in both personal and professional contexts. He discusses how adversity, such as his battle with pancreatic cancer, led him to discover deeper meanings in life and coaching. The dialogue explores leadership dynamics, the significance of teamwork, and the necessity of having a clear purpose to drive success. Coach Hess encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations and the impact of their actions on others, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life and career.
Summary
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the integration of AI into business practices, emphasizing the importance of security and the lessons learned from the dot-com era. They explore the potential risks associated with AI, particularly regarding data security and the need for proper safeguards. The discussion highlights the necessity for IT professionals to educate clients about AI's implications and to approach AI integration with caution and informed strategies.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the critical role of customer feedback in software development, particularly for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). They explore how to effectively gather and implement feedback, the importance of user experience, and the challenges of adapting to user needs. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and collaboration with customers to create intuitive and effective software solutions.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the profound impact of travel on personal and professional growth. They explore how stepping out of routines and experiencing new cultures can enhance creativity, challenge assumptions, and lead to innovative thinking. The discussion emphasizes the importance of seeking new experiences to stimulate the mind and foster a fresh perspective in both life and business.
Join Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler as they dive into the perplexing question of why Managed Service Providers (MSPs) aren't recognized as a distinct industry. They explore the challenges MSPs face, from lack of national standards to identity crises, and discuss the future of IT consulting.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the importance of continuous improvement in business, particularly in the MSP industry. They emphasize the need for iterative development, understanding customer feedback, and adapting products to meet evolving market demands. The discussion highlights the journey of product evolution, the challenges faced, and the strategies employed to ensure ongoing growth and relevance in a competitive landscape.
In this episode, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the evolution of IT services, emphasizing the need for IT professionals to embrace change and innovation. They explore the importance of being involved in various technology solutions, the shift to cloud computing, and the integration of AI into business practices. The conversation highlights the necessity of identifying opportunities in technology and encourages listeners to innovate beyond traditional boundaries.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Loren Williams discuss the operations of PCs for People, a nonprofit organization focused on refurbishing and distributing computers to low-income households. They delve into the processes of data destruction, security protocols, and the importance of providing updated technology to those in need. The discussion also covers the organization's approach to recycling, surplus equipment sales, and the impact of technology access on community members.
In this conversation, Adam Walter interviews Lauren Williams from PCs for People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to refurbishing and distributing computers to low-income households. The discussion covers the origins of the organization, its growth, the refurbishment process, the types of equipment needed, software licensing, community initiatives, and the importance of partnerships in achieving their mission. Lauren shares insights into the impact of their work on bridging the digital divide and providing access to technology for those in need.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler explore the theme of hypocrisy in business, particularly in the context of client relationships and communication. They discuss the challenges of maintaining human connections while leveraging automation, the importance of flexibility in adapting to new ideas, and the necessity of evaluating past decisions in light of current circumstances. The dialogue emphasizes the need for continuous growth and the acceptance of change as a sign of maturity.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler explore the parallels between maintaining a swimming pool and running a business. They discuss the importance of addressing foundational issues, understanding the unique context of each business, and the significance of company culture. The conversation emphasizes that the right advice and tools must be tailored to the specific needs of a business, much like the maintenance of a pool varies based on its type and environment. They conclude with the idea that businesses, like pools, require ongoing care to avoid becoming problematic.
In this episode, Adam Walter and Jonathan Crow discuss the origin and evolution of the 'Backups and Bandwidth' initiative, focusing on the importance of tabletop exercises in incident response and cybersecurity. They explore how these exercises can help teams prepare for real-world scenarios, improve communication, and enhance business continuity planning. The conversation highlights the need for regular testing and the democratization of cybersecurity practices for smaller businesses.
Summary
In this podcast, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the importance of seeking external advice for business leadership. They explore how to qualify good leadership advice, the significance of understanding different perspectives, and the role of true leaders in guiding organizations. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning, adapting to cultural changes, and finding the right mentors to foster growth and success in business.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler discuss the critical topic of customer red flags in the context of managed service providers (MSPs). They explore how to identify red flags in client relationships, the importance of client compatibility, and strategies for managing toxic clients. The discussion emphasizes the need for a pre-agreement checklist, evaluating client turnover rates, and finding ideal clients to foster a positive business environment. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for MSPs to improve their client relationships and business growth.
In this conversation, Adam Walter and Skip Ziegler delve into the concept of confirmation bias, particularly in the context of IT and client relationships. They discuss how professionals often operate under assumptions based on limited data, leading to miscommunication and ineffective solutions. The importance of listening to clients, understanding their needs, and challenging one's own biases is emphasized as a way to improve business strategies and client engagement. The discussion also touches on the role of technology in augmenting business goals and the necessity of evolving perspectives in a rapidly changing environment
