🔒 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.

Patreon Show - 568 The Price is Byte: Charging Clients for Tech Headaches

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Tech Troubles, Backup Strategies, and Client Dilemmas: A Peer Discussion

In a patron-only episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss various tech topics, starting with a story about replacing an iMac glass panel and the complications that arose during the repair process, highlighting the importance of backup strategies and preparing for unexpected problems. They also delve into difficulties with email migrations and the nuances of charging clients for such work, sharing anecdotes and strategies to handle scope creep and pricing models. Furthermore, the discussion covers the reliability of backup internet connections through devices like the UniFi LTE Pro and modems, detailing personal experiences with these technologies. Lastly, they touch on challenges with Apple's Time Machine backups on Synology NAS devices, emphasizing the importance of secure and efficient backup systems.

567: Shelley Watson of DBQ Technology - Evolving Careers and Combating Industry Biases

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In this episode of Command Control Power, we welcome back Shelley Watson, a seasoned professional in the tech industry. We delve into a wide range of topics including Shelley's history of presenting and training and her transition from running Wheelwrights to starting a new business venture. The discussion moves into deeper waters as Shelley shares insights on ageism, gender bias in the tech industry, and the importance of building trust with clients. She emphasizes the value of experience, synthesizing information, and how being seasoned professionals can give them an edge. Shelley also touches on the significance of having a constructive influence beyond just technical assistance and the importance of diversity and amplification in the workplace. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, professional advice, and Shelley’s outlook on the future of her career.

We talk a bit about Shelley's journey and her training days.

There is an art in being an extrovert and engaging with audiences

Shelley talks about transitioning from Wheelwrights to DBQ Technology

Navigating the Pandemic: Adapting to remote work and training

She discusses the challenges and strategies of closing a business

Vendor relationships and the intricacies of business closure can be a tough road

We discuss building trust and demonstrating motives in business

Jerry has questions about navigating age and experience in the consulting world

This leads us down a path to gender bias in our field

Shelley talks about the power of amplification

People say things that are indicators as to who they are. Pay attention to those queues

t may be uncomfortable to do so, but it is key to find ways to make someone aware of something they said

You may not feel like your comment will matter, but you could be one of many that triggers change

Progress, improvement, relief is important for people

The Role of Technology Professionals in Social Change

Concluding Thoughts on Ageism and Future Conversations

Shelley was hoping to get into her favorite conversation like the Hold Harmless clause, which means we will have to have her back on again!

Check out http://commandcontrolpower.com/dbqtech for Command Control Power merchandise

Patreon Show - 566: Navigating Client Challenges and Communication in Tech Support

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Navigating Client Challenges and Communication in Tech Support

This episode of Command Control Power, a special show for Patrons, dives into the complexities of client relations and communication within the tech support sphere. The hosts share personal stories, focusing on a particularly challenging client situation involving tech troubleshooting, managing expectations, and navigating difficult personality types. They discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries, effective communication, and strategies for maintaining professionalism in the face of adversity. The conversation also touches on managing online business presence, adjusting to remote work dynamics, and the significance of expressing appreciation. The episode concludes with plans for a giveaway in the next live Patron recording.

565: Interview with Michael Thomsen of Origin84 - Client Tune-Up: Post-Pandemic

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Thank you to our VIP sponsors!

Michael Thomsen, founder of Origin 84 sits down with us once again to have a long overdue conversation.

Michael shares how he and his company has faired since the pandemic.

Will Joe miss ACES for his 20th wedding anniversary?

While in town for ACES 2024, Michael will take the opportunity in to do some fascinating work and experience the Grand Staircase in Utah.

We talk about how Origin 84 is reassessing and potentially adjusting client relationships to optimize efficiency and alignment with their post-pandemic vision.

Initial focus was to identify clients who:
-No longer align with our current business goals (products, services, target market).
-Have outdated contracts that lack clarity on terms, expectations, and fees.

Creating timelines is important to establish a completion date.

Client contracts shows the full value of the business.

Use the media narrative to create opportunities for your business.

Conduct client reviews (surveys, one-on-one meetings, etc.) to assess alignment and contract status.

Develop and implement clear communication protocols (preferred channels, response times, etc.).

Establish healthy boundaries with clients (e.g., scope of work limitations, after-hours communication expectations).

Improve client relationships and manage expectations through clear communication.

Origin 84 sat down as a team to re-evaluate client relationships and used a multitude of factors to decide to continue to work with them.

We discuss the difficulty to assess profitability per client with unlimited monthly models.

Time tracking is still critical to understand if your company is profitable.

“Track the time, sell the value.” Jason Harrison

Jerry talks about how he manages his business as an army of one.

Be careful proposing to all your clients. What happens if they all say yes?

Michael gives us some great insight into his business acumen. 

It all flows back to Burning Man for Joe. 

Command Control Power has some new merch!

Thank you to our Patreon sponsors!