587: Recovering Deleted Google Calendars and Client Network Saga: A Tech Support Adventure

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Recovering Deleted Google Calendars and Client Network Saga: A Tech Support Adventure

In this episode, the hosts discuss a series of challenging client issues, including how to recover a deleted Google Calendar, the complexities of managing network loops with Sonos devices, and the frustrations of dealing with unreliable electricians. They also explore advertising on Facebook and Instagram for tech support services, share the latest updates from Apple, and review the impact of recent podcasting trends. Tune in for insights on troubleshooting, client management, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.

-One of Jerry’s clients finds out the hard way that you cannot restore a deleted Google calendar.

-Joe has some follow up about his client with two UniFi mission critical switches.

-He also mentions a helpful UniFi article about preventing network loops.

-After many years and work with Sonos, Joe has some updated guidance on network recommendations.

-Jerry has seen an uptick in business lately. He is also engaging in Facebook and Instagram advertising.

-Joe is a fan of a podcast on NPR called The Brian Lehrer Show

-And now for Jerry’s favorite part - Joe’s product announcements.

-He does have some interesting thoughts on AirPods Pro hearing tests.

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585: Interview With Ben Greiner founder of Forget Computers, Apple champion and growth advisor at Addigy

Join us as we welcome back Ben Greiner, founder of Forget Computers and Apple champion and growth advisor at Addigy. In this engaging discussion, Ben reflects on his over 20-year journey in the Apple MSP world, the evolving landscape of IT management, and his role at Addigy. Ben shares insights on the integration of Apple-focused services into larger Windows-managed environments, the importance of compliance, and how Apple's advanced tools are setting new standards in the industry. This episode is filled with invaluable tips for MSPs looking to expand their Apple service offerings and successfully navigate the merger and acquisition landscape.

The hosts reflect on the 10 years in between Ben’s appearances.

Ross Matsuda, another CCP guest, also worked for Forget Computers.

Early on, Ben created Robot Cloud. This has since morphed into Vision Bot at Ntiva.

Ben talks about adapting to client needs.

Ben advises to look at the management tools that only focus on Apple products like Jamf, Kandji, and Addigy.

We get into how Ben switched from Jamf to Addigy.

Switching MDMs was harder than switching communication tools.

Most small MSPs are under one million in revenue a year.

Ben talks about how the 10,000 Small Business program by Goldman Sachs helped his business grow.

Forget Computers was acquired by Ntiva. Ben takes us down that road.

Apple vs Windows Support - it is difficult for Windows MSPs to make the shift to support the Apple platform.

Standardizing Apple Device Management

Proactive vs Reactive Device Enrollment

Ben works with existing customers to help them grow with Addigy.

Ben brings up the shift to Declarative Device Management

Compliance Standards and Challenges - is Windows really better built for business than Apple? Or has that paradigm shifted?

Jerry wants to know more about the 1Password acquisition on Kolide.

What is the future of Device Management and Security?

You can find Ben Greiner on LinkedIn.

Best Of CCP - 210: Managed Services - "A Look To The Future" withJason Harrison of Harrison Technology Consulting

389: Pandemic Update With Adam Engst of TidBITS Content Network

Topics:

-Adam Engst of TidBITS Content Network  joins us once again to talk business during COVID and some new opportunities.

-The last time we had Adam on was mid March, just after the world began to change.

-Joe observes how things are once again going in the wrong direction.

-As the president of his local runner’s club, he is always on the lookout for important news to evaluate risks.

-We discuss the effects this has had on people not just with work or physical health, but mental health as well.

-Adam and the crew kick around many interesting thoughts and ideas about society as a whole.

-What’s going to happen with office space and real estate as a whole after this is all said and done?

-As companies have had to pivot during these times, Adam talks about how TidBITS has begun working with a school in Australia to distribute technical information.

-This opportunity of working with institutions with large IT footprints could be a new avenue for TidBITS Content Network.

359: There’s Billable Work Hiding In that Closet

Topics:

-We dive right in with Joe telling a story of inadvertently having a client take apart a Magic Mouse.  So she can’t use her computer but she can now use the Zoom app on her iPhone.  So there’s that.

-Speaking of Zoom, Jerry has a hell of a time trying to use Group FaceTime with friends.  So they moved to Zoom.

-Joe has seen an uptick in work this past week.  Jerry & Sam can’t say the same.

-Jerry has an odd issue with a client who lost his admin account on the Mac.  Sam is now his buddy after assisting via Messages.

-Another interesting development that Jerry is seeing is people pulling old computers out of the closet to work with.  He is referring all of those clients to PsiMac.  Joe will happily take them.

-Live, during the show, we receive word that Jon Brown of Grove Technologies has returned as a VIP sponsor!  Thanks Jon!

-Joe asks Sam for some updates on his MSP contract.  He has taken the new approach to itemize all the services he offers.  He also hopes that it provides incentive for clients to inquire about additional services that his company offers.

-Sam’s new MSP is going out this week to a potential client

-In recent weeks, Joe sent out a newsletter to offer Watchman Monitoring for free to clients.  He provides an update of how clients responded.  Just the information alone that he gathered from Watchman Monitoring allowed the beginning of conversations for possible next steps.

-When clients unsubscribe from your newsletter, it can feel personal.

-While on the subject of Watchman Monitoring, enrollment codes is a great way to allow self enrollment: Enrollment codes

-The Aces Conference: The Prequel is on for May 19-20 and Command Control Power will be participating.  Sign up to be a part of it all! https://acesconf.com/aces-conference-the-prequel/

-And don’t forget, Aces will be in Atlanta in October: https://acesconf.com

340: Scrooge McDuck Meets Marley's Ghost

Topics:

-A merry crimble to everyone!

-Jerry calls Sam Scrooge McDuck

-Alrhough timing is tough, Sam has to let an employee go

-A topic that is born out of this experience is “offboarding”

-Joe has some experience in this arena. He talks about some of the logistics and difficulties that comes with that. 

-that experience also caused Joe to tighten up his onboarding process 

-One of the concerns of releasing an employee is unemployment benefits 

-Does timing really matter that much?

-Business and friendship do not mix 

-Access for services and devices, while considered, needed to be re-evaluated 

-Sam has one thing to say about Joe’s shared contacts issue: DayliteMac.com

-Replacing the most employee is not on the immediate radar for HCS as of right now 

-Since answering calls was one part of Sam’s for employee’s job, he might now look at a virtual assistant service like smith.ai

-Subcontractors can be a good resource to fill company needs with less of a burden

-Data loss is a major topic that is a point of pride for the crew

-The team gets chummy about the support they have for each other