🔒 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.


635: Adventures in Affiliate Limbo and the $37 Jackpot

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

Best Of CCP - 295: Change Up The Usual

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.

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

Best Of CCP - 403: I Hope You Find Honest Work One Day

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.

629: Balancing Tech Support: Accessibility, Solo Entrepreneurship & Innovative Solutions with Adam Rice

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts are joined by returning guest Adam Rice of Ask Adam. They discuss the challenges and benefits of being a solo tech support consultant, including balancing large business clients with residential work. Adam shares his innovative equitable pricing model, designed to make tech support accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. The conversation also touches on tools like TailScale and Alectrona Patch, effective strategies for leveraging tech tools as a solo consultant, and the nuances of building and maintaining client trust in both residential and business settings.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back, Adam Rice!

00:28 Adam's Background and Living in Philadelphia

02:08 Residential vs. Business Clients

02:47 Solo Consulting and Family Involvement

06:45 Challenges of Hiring and Subcontracting

16:35 Marketing Strategies and Client Demographics

21:39 Private Equity and Client Stability

27:20 Navigating Business Without Contracts

28:33 Shifting Focus to Residential Clients

29:58 The Importance of Client Relationships

31:47 Discussing Business Rates and Models

32:54 Implementing Equitable Pricing

35:03 Challenges and Benefits of Sliding Scale Pricing

48:58 Tools and Techniques for Business Efficiency

57:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans