646: Navigating Tech Updates and Client Communications

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome listeners to their December show, tease upcoming Patreon episodes discussing managed service offerings, designing flyers using Canva and ChatGPT, and all-inclusive pricing with Tim Pearson. The episode touches on experiences with a Canva PDF rendering issue using the Preview app in MacOS, including troubleshooting steps with Adobe PDF engines. The hosts share client communication challenges about service rate negotiations and discuss the intricacies of pricing models and plan structures. Additional technical topics include a significant bug with Microsoft Auto Update renaming apps erratically, strategies for managing OnePassword memory prompts and passkey enrollments, and a tip-off from listeners about Backblaze's change in policy for iCloud Drive backups. They wrap up with amusing anecdotes from client interactions and discuss the complexities of web browsers and user understanding of tech terms.

00:00 Opening Banter and Introductions

00:25 Welcome to Command Control Power

01:40 Patreon Teasers and Managed Service Offerings

02:33 PDF Rendering Issues with Canva

07:53 Client Negotiations and Pricing Strategies

28:02 Reselling Services and Client Retention

30:53 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:04 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:42 Identifying the Problem

35:08 Known Issues and Workarounds

36:29 Installer Process and Conflicts

37:59 Disabling Auto Update

38:19 Microsoft's Response

39:04 Apple's Role in the Issue

39:43 Temporary Solutions

44:08 One Password Tips

53:32 Backup Solutions and Listener Feedback

01:01:20 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Stories

Best of CCP - 427: Guest Host - Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs

This week we welcome long time supporter of the show, Tim Pearson of Creative Techs.

Tim joins us as a co-host.

He talks about traveling on the ferry to do onsite work.

The group discusses the wildfires out west.

Tim shares a story about the time he made a mistake of wearing a Star Wars shirt, causing his meeting to go way overtime.

The group helps Tim with approaching a mistake he made in his business.

Jerry’s talks about the “Screwdriver Effect”

Getting fired by a client is a great opportunity to take another look at how you do things.

Everyone discusses MSP and contracts with clients.

How are the group members finding new work throughout the pandemic?

Sam explains how he started getting referrals from the Apple stores.

The group talks about the Apple Consultants Network program and its benefits.

What is everyone seeing regarding to employees coming back to the offices?

Some people work better in offices and some at home.

Do you have employees or paid friends?

647: Inside Addigy’s Latest Upgrades: A Deep-Dive into Addigy Assist & Pre-Built Apps with Michaela Gilman & Selina Ali

Explore the newest capabilities inside Addigy with Product Managers Michaela Gilman (Addigy Assist) and Selina Ali (Pre-Built Apps). In this episode of Command-Control-Power, we discuss how Addigy is streamlining Apple device management with improved visibility, faster onboarding, and simplified third-party app updates.

Michaela shares how Addigy Assist elevates the user experience during enrollment and installation—giving administrators clearer insight and reducing uncertainty for end users. Selina walks through the evolution of Pre-Built Apps, explaining how it accelerates standard software deployment, improves update reliability, and reduces overhead for IT teams.

We also explore:

• How customer feedback directly shapes Addigy’s development

• The balance between automation and user transparency

• What’s coming next for Addigy, including self-service, identity improvements, and expanded update workflows

• Real-world challenges, beta feedback, and lessons learned from early adopters

If you manage Apple devices—whether for education, enterprise, or MSP environments—this conversation offers practical insights and a look ahead at where Addigy is headed.

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:16 – Exploring Addigy Assist

01:22 – Improving the Enrollment Experience

07:19 – Overview of Pre-Built Apps

08:54 – User Feedback & Development Cycles

13:11 – Challenges with App Updates

22:33 – Future Enhancements & Self-Service

25:08 – Self-Service App Updates

26:19 – User Experience & Admin Feedback

27:22 – Beta Testing Insights

28:22 – Customer Feedback & Product Iteration

30:24 – User Requests & Pre-Built App Growth

33:24 – New Features & Roadmap Highlights

36:42 – Advice for New Addigy Users

40:43 – Final Thoughts & Contact Info

#Addigy #AppleMDM #DeviceManagement #MSP #macOS #ITAutomation #CommandControlPower #AddigyAssist #PreBuiltApps #AppleConsultants

642: AirPods, Angels, and Apple Mystique

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

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

Best Of CCP - 073: Mac Mini 2014 & Recommendations

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, thaey discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.