🔒 Patreon Special
IT Pros: exclusive shows await you on Patreon, focusing on the more challenging aspects of running your practice and working with clients and employees.
635: Adventures in Affiliate Limbo and the $37 Jackpot
/In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their patron-only content, focusing on tech insights they share for members. They delve into affiliate marketing with Amazon, highlighting successes and challenges. They reveal frustrations with Amazon affiliates and share tricks to navigate these programs more effectively. They discuss reliability issues with Ubiquiti products, and methods to manage and troubleshoot home networking issues. The episode also touches upon data recovery services, emphasizing experiences with Drive Savers. Listeners get a mix of tech tips, troubleshooting hacks, and behind-the-scenes insights.
00:00 Introduction and Patron-Only Content Teaser
01:48 Amazon Affiliates Marketing Update
02:26 Challenges with Amazon Affiliates
03:46 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Recommendations
19:33 Data Recovery Services and Experiences
29:28 Client Equipment Purchases and Vendor Relationships
31:06 Client Misunderstandings and Vendor Expectations
31:26 Dealing with Hardware Markups and Transparency
32:18 Client Insistence on Specific Products
33:01 Balancing Client Savings and Business Revenue
36:41 Technical Issues with Screen Sharing and Command Tab
39:09 Monitor Resolution and Better Display App
43:46 Residential Client WiFi Troubleshooting
47:09 Issues with ISP Equipment and Double NAT
50:55 Preview App and Text Edit Issues
52:30 Ending Support for Older Systems and Protocols
56:19 Conclusion and Patreon Support
633: A Latte About Apple: Commando, Convos, and Coffee
/In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe and Sam catch up after attending a confidential Apple Technical Summit. They discuss the event’s highlights, including networking opportunities and technical presentations. Sam shares his experience improving a client's old IT setup, moving them to modern managed services and security practices. Joe dives into his quest for an ideal phone solution with group SMS capabilities, ultimately considering sticking with RingCentral due to recent features supported by AI. The episode also touches on the importance and challenges of maintaining high-quality internet service at a fair price and explores the potential environmental impact of AI note-taking.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts Reunion
00:15 NDA Event and Apple Summit
01:31 Networking and Connections
03:01 San Jose and Big Basin Adventures
06:18 Technical Summit Insights
09:12 Funny Poolside Moments
11:03 Caseless Phones and Engineering Marvels
16:31 Coffee Talk and AeroPress Trivia
25:22 Billing Challenges and Solutions
28:29 Client Negotiations and Agreement
28:55 Email Security and Phishing
29:52 Security Training and Awareness
31:30 New Client with Technical Debt
33:45 Managed Services Plan Pitch
37:41 AI in Client Communication
38:32 Phone Service Saga
51:34 Optimum Fiber and Internet Deals
56:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics
631: Monitor Mayhem and the Search for the Perfect Pixel
/In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their experiences with various monitor setups, emphasizing ultra-wide and large screens, while exploring technical issues and preferences. They dive into topics such as monitor pixel density, enhanced connectivity settings for Unifi networks, and share personal anecdotes about client interactions and equipment setups. The episode also includes light humor and listener engagement, underscoring the blend of technical insights and casual conversation that characterizes the show.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:11 Monitor Preferences and Recommendations
01:50 Client Interaction and Monitor Shaming
02:50 Exploring Ultra-Wide Monitors
04:28 Remote Upgrades for Clients
10:47 Adjusting Monitor Settings for Clarity
15:37 Comparing Monitor Specifications
26:29 The Cost of Standard Glass
26:38 Living Room Office Setup
27:16 Choosing the Right Monitor
30:08 Apple TV and Aspect Ratios
33:01 Monitor vs TV Debate
38:37 Monitor Control App Insights
40:55 Unify Network Issues
50:44 Wrapping Up with Humor
629: Balancing Tech Support: Accessibility, Solo Entrepreneurship & Innovative Solutions with Adam Rice
/In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts are joined by returning guest Adam Rice of Ask Adam. They discuss the challenges and benefits of being a solo tech support consultant, including balancing large business clients with residential work. Adam shares his innovative equitable pricing model, designed to make tech support accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The conversation also touches on tools like TailScale and Alectrona Patch, effective strategies for leveraging tech tools as a solo consultant, and the nuances of building and maintaining client trust in both residential and business settings.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back, Adam Rice!
00:28 Adam's Background and Living in Philadelphia
02:08 Residential vs. Business Clients
02:47 Solo Consulting and Family Involvement
06:45 Challenges of Hiring and Subcontracting
16:35 Marketing Strategies and Client Demographics
21:39 Private Equity and Client Stability
27:20 Navigating Business Without Contracts
28:33 Shifting Focus to Residential Clients
29:58 The Importance of Client Relationships
31:47 Discussing Business Rates and Models
32:54 Implementing Equitable Pricing
35:03 Challenges and Benefits of Sliding Scale Pricing
48:58 Tools and Techniques for Business Efficiency
57:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
625: Surviving the Unthinkable: Adam Burg's Personal Account of California's Eaton Fire
/In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Adam Burg of CALSO Technologies to share his harrowing experience with the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Adam recounts the events leading up to the evacuation of his family, the destruction of their home, and their subsequent journey to recovery. He highlights the overwhelming support from the community, the importance of preparedness, and offers advice for ensuring business continuity in the face of natural disasters. The episode provides a detailed and emotional account of resilience and the power of community.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-burg-family-after-the-eaton-fire-in-altadena
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:23 Adam's Tragic Experience in LA
01:22 Evacuation and Immediate Aftermath
03:10 Community Support and Personal Reflections
04:14 The Fire's Impact on Daily Life
05:07 Realization of the Fire's Severity
06:32 Evacuation Orders and Family Preparations
08:25 The Night of the Evacuation
10:27 Returning to the Devastation
18:58 Cleanup and Recovery Efforts
30:20 Architectural Heritage and Rebuilding
31:45 Life at the Hotel: Initial Experiences
32:56 Community and Support Among Families
34:26 Interactions with Firefighters
35:36 Challenges of Hotel Living
36:43 Emotional Impact on the Family
38:01 Reflections on Community and Support
39:28 Environmental Refugees and Climate Change
41:34 Insurance and Preparedness
47:10 Rebuilding and Client Support
55:00 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts
Meet the community trying to save Altadena’s history after the L.A. fires
