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642: AirPods, Angels, and Apple Mystique

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss a variety of topics including a nostalgic throwback to a wrestling match they attended, the latest release of the MacBook Pro with M5 chip, and the implications of larger storage options. They dive into the specifics of the new 'Launch Angels' folder found in macOS 14, differences in storage drives, and the practical uses of Google Gemini for locating a lost MacBook. Additionally, they highlight the pros and cons of Amazon purchases, and share personal stories involving client interactions and unique tech mishaps. The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next Patreon-only episode focusing on marketing strategies using Canva.

00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia

00:47 Wrestling Memories and Family Connections

01:58 New MacBook Pro with M5 Chip

06:03 Storage Needs and Solutions

14:09 Smart TVs vs. Apple TV

19:39 AirPods Pro Discussion

25:32 Meeting in Boulder and Casa Bonita

27:59 Planning Future Meetups

28:15 Discussing Canva and Managed Service Plans

28:40 Launch Angels Folder Discovery

31:41 Apple Music and Third-Party Services

32:46 Bluetooth Adapters for Airplanes

34:17 Amazon Purchases and Returns

40:10 Printer Ink Scams and Issues

51:05 Client Stories and AI Assistance

56:29 Conclusion and Patreon Promotion

641: Pennywise and Pound Foolish: Lessons in IT Management

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In this episode of Command Control Power, Jerry discusses his recent experience in acquiring a rescue puppy and managing interactions between his pets. The hosts delve into challenges faced with client device management, particularly focusing on issues related to Apple's Jamf Pro and the importance of having full control over devices. They share various client anecdotes and mishaps, including managing clients' attempts to self-solve tech issues leading to greater problems. Additionally, the episode covers a significant mishap involving Jerry's mailing list being flooded with fake emails and subsequent data loss, emphasizing the necessity of backing up contact lists. The episode also teases upcoming content on using tools like Canva and GPT for marketing and drafting terms of service.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:39 Puppy Adoption Story

01:55 Client Troubles with Jamf Pro

07:42 Client Self-Management Issues

12:55 Printer and Network Troubles

19:38 Personal Tech Mishaps

23:25 Data Recovery Challenges

26:50 Client Communication Challenges

27:37 The Importance of Data Backup

28:49 Newsletter Management and MailChimp Issues

36:05 Dealing with Spam and Contact List Problems

40:41 Lessons Learned and Future Plans

49:32 Exploring Marketing Tools and Strategies

54:25 Conclusion and Patreon Promotion

639: Exploring macOS 26 (Tahoe) Updates, Apple Product Upgrades, and MDM Strategies

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss the latest release of macOS 26 (Tahoe), including new features and user experiences. They also talk about Apple's recent updates for older iOS versions and the challenges of managing macOS updates using Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles. The conversation touches on the new AirPods Pro 3 and AppleCare One plans. Listeners also get a glimpse into upcoming discussion topics for Patreon supporters and participate in a fun pop quiz about Mac system files. The episode wraps up with insights into how Apple addresses counterfeiting and product quality.

00:00 Introduction and Fall Background Banter

00:39 Join Us on Patreon

01:23 Pop Quiz and New Cursors in Tahoe

03:18 WiFi Troubleshooting and Privacy Settings

04:43 Screen Recording Tools

05:30 System Settings and Update Issues

07:18 MDM Solutions and Blocking Updates

13:33 Client Experiences with Updates

22:33 Podcast Critiques and Fake Apple Products

27:17 Counterfeit Apple Products

29:17 Recommended Reads

30:09 Exploring macOS Updates

31:18 iOS Updates Breakdown

33:00 Apple's Generosity with Updates

34:19 Deferral Profiles and Update Strategies

38:39 AirPods Pro 3 Discussion

41:07 AppleCare One and Device Management

50:14 Pop Quiz and Closing Remarks

637: Lost in the Cloud: Flyers, Reviews, and Resetting Reality

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts reconnect for a public episode featuring casual banter and professional insights. Discussions range from optimal microphone placement for virtual backgrounds, humorously recounting past advertising endeavors, to moving children into college. The main focus, however, addresses IT and consultancy challenges including issues with ISP connections using Unify, effective marketing strategies, customer experience, generating client reviews, and the impact of AI on IT solutions. The hosts share personal anecdotes and valuable tips for both seasoned consultants and newcomers in the field.

* The hosts discuss microphone placement and virtual backgrounds, referencing advice from Justin Esgar.

* Reflections on physical advertising: subway-style ads, banners at trade shows, flyers on community boards, and the effectiveness of old-school marketing versus digital targeting.

* Personal stories about getting clients from bulletin board flyers, local fairs, and classified ads.

* The evolution of client acquisition: from random, local encounters to digital, highly-targeted leads and the importance of being listed in the Apple Consultants Network (ACN) locator.

* The changing landscape of referrals: Google search, ACN locator, and even ChatGPT as a source of new clients.

* The role of reviews: how to ask for them, where to post them (Google, Yelp, ACN), and the impact of both positive and negative reviews.

* Anecdotes about difficult client interactions, especially around technical misunderstandings and device resets.

* Technical discussion: using Unifi’s custom SLA (Service Level Agreement) settings to reduce false internet outage alerts, and the value of tools like Uptime Robot.

* Brief mention of AI note-taking and its environmental impact, with a plan to discuss this further in a future episode.

* Closing thanks to listeners and patrons, with a reminder about Patreon benefits.

635: Adventures in Affiliate Limbo and the $37 Jackpot

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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