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

620: From Rooftops in Spain to QuickBooks User Pains

Cirrus Partners

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss recent events including a vacation and the ACEs conference. They dive into a detailed troubleshooting story involving QuickBooks server issues and explore the challenges associated with setting up Windows PCs and QuickBooks for clients. Additional topics include managing one password admin access for clients and a debate over using cases for Macs. The episode also highlights the 10th anniversary of the Mac Admins community and offers useful insights for managed service providers.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:08 Vacation Recap: London and Spain

01:11 The Sunday Roast Experience

01:52 Yorkshire Pudding and British Cuisine

03:50 Party in Spain: Music, Conversations, and More

08:50 Back to Work: QuickBooks Troubles

28:46 QuickBooks Desktop vs. Online: The Cost Debate

29:11 Client's PC Purchase and Windows Upgrade Issues

30:12 Navigating Windows Setup and Software Challenges

31:00 Billing and Discounted Rates Discussion

33:00 Two-Factor Authentication Troubleshooting

35:11 One Password Support and Admin Access

47:10 Mac Admins Community and Personal Anecdotes

49:50 Client Device Trade-In and Repair Issues

51:58 Case or No Case: Protecting Your Devices

Thank you to our Patreon Sponsors!

Best Of CCP - Interview with Dr. Howard Oakley of The Eclectic Light Company

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

Patreon Show - 572: Exploring Legacy Software, CGNAT Challenges, and AI's Impact on Privacy

In this patron-only episode of Command Control Power, the hosts reflect on past conferences, such as Lightspeed in Montreal, and the challenges of utilizing the Lightspeed software for consulting businesses. The conversation shifts to Unifi network monitoring setups and the unique complications presented by Carrier Grade NAT (CGNAT) on residential ISP connections. The hosts discuss potential security and monitoring solutions for modern clients, including Unifi's professional phone support and Wattbox. Finally, the episode examines the growing concerns around AI voice cloning, its potential for misuse, and ideas for safeguarding privacy in a digital age.

571: The ACEs 2024 Debrief We Never Knew We Needed

In this episode of Command Control Power, host Joe and co-hosts Sam and Jerry debrief the ACEs Conference 2024. The episode also touches on the various technologies and vendor booths that fascinated the hosts, including LionGuard and Halo PSA, as well as the different people they met and reconnected with. Sam's presentation on his MSP journey is highlighted alongside humorous moments and key takeaways. A special thanks to Justin Esgar for organizing a successful conference!

Topics:

Adam Engst delivered a thought provoking presentation about AI.

A great list of patrons, friends, and fellow consultants were at the conference this year.

We reflect on the overall conference experience and the parts we loved the most.

Smaller conferences offer a more intimate experience.

Sam had the opportunity to present at ACES this year and he discusses how we are always learning.

He opened the kimono so to speak to get into his billing practices over the years.

“Don’t negotiate against yourself” - Joe Saponare

Brian Lattanzio and Omar Elshamy came to represent Apple, as well as offer a custom training.

Jerry will be at the next one, as long as it’s “east of the Mississippi”.

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