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614: Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen of Origin 84

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Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Michael Thomsen of Origin 84, dialing in from Australia. Michael shares critical insights into the use of AI in IT consulting. Topics range from the pros and cons of binge-listening to tech podcasts to the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, sharing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency, such as generating meeting summaries, handling complex client requests, and improving ticketing systems. The discussion also touches on the risks of data leakage, the necessity of well-defined policies, and the future implications of AI in both enhancing productivity and posing security challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Listener Feedback and Follow-Up

02:41 AI Tools in Daily Work

05:51 AI Integration in Business

09:08 Real-World AI Use Cases

13:52 Challenges and Best Practices with AI

23:50 AI in Education and Policy

27:22 Understanding AI Policies and Data Leakage

28:28 Balancing AI Empowerment and Security Risks

29:21 Credential Stuffing and Security Examples

30:49 Implementing Effective AI Policies

32:10 Microsoft Tools for Data Security

35:03 Challenges in Modern Security Practices

39:14 Leveraging AI for Productivity

42:09 AI in Client Communication and Ticketing

47:48 The Human Element in AI Integration

51:32 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Security

613: Inside the World of IT: Daily Challenges and Unlikely Solutions

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss several interesting and challenging situations they’ve encountered. They start by encouraging listeners to support them on Patreon for additional content, including unedited YouTube broadcasts. The main discussions cover a range of topics: the idea of maintaining up-to-date hardware for clients, how to strategically manage old equipment, and the peculiar case of a client getting inundated with spam emails likely as a cover for fraudulent activities involving a Best Buy purchase. They explore possible solutions and share their experiences dealing with such disruptions. Additionally, Jerry shares a humorous story about helping a client with her TV and encountering an unexpected twist with a generous tip to a technician.

00:00 Introduction and Patreon Promotion

01:38 Unedited YouTube Broadcasts

02:52 Barcelona Travel Talk

04:00 Tech Truisms and Client Discussions

06:38 Client Hardware Upgrade Policies

12:31 Unsupported Hardware Fees and Security Risks

27:45 Apple Business Manager and iCloud Issues

34:40 The Mysterious Phone Issue

35:28 Joe's Story: The Spam Attack

37:07 Understanding the Hacker's Tactics

39:28 Dealing with the Spam Flood

46:44 A Disgruntled Employee?

47:59 The Best Buy Clue

49:15 The Police Involvement

50:20 The Amateur Hacker Theory

55:27 Jerry's Funny TV Repair Story

01:02:27 Conclusion and Next Steps

609: Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar

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Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome back Justin Esgar of ACEs Conference. The discussion kicks off with light-hearted banter about colds and convincing Jerry to buy a ticket for the upcoming ACEs Conference. Justin shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily routine and the value of attending ACEs, highlighting its focus on business growth for consultants, the expansion of the conference to include special training sessions at the 'big fruit company' campus, and how it helps attendees improve client relations and efficiencies. The conversation also covers the unique supportive nature of the Apple community and the upcoming Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship in honor of Justin's father. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion about the ACES Mastermind program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community support in the tech industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin Esgar

01:01 Daily Routine and Behind the Scenes

01:56 ACEs Conference Overview

02:50 Special Training and Business Focus

04:43 Consulting and Sales Strategies

16:24 Importance of Cyber Insurance

19:13 Bringing Employees to ACEs

26:28 Tim Pearson's Chat and Wedding Insights

26:55 Honoring My Dad: The Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship

28:35 Funny Story: The Car Mix-Up

29:59 All Things MSP and Podcasting

31:22 The Sandwich Compliment and Fearless Feedback

36:57 Mastermind Program and Business Coaching

42:06 The Unique Apple Community

47:44 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

607: DDM Deja Vu & Other Mysteries: A Kale Salad for Your Mac

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In this episode, the hosts delve into maximizing earnings from the Amazon Affiliate Program, including the requirement to link clients to a webpage first for tracking and credit. They discuss the importance of managing Mac software updates through MDM and the emerging DDM approach, addressing their methods and challenges with client systems. Additionally, they touch on using Ubiquiti equipment effectively and maintaining client hardware. The episode covers practical insights, from affiliate program strategies to technical management of software updates in Apple devices.

00:00 Introduction and Recent Conversations

00:56 Amazon Affiliate Program Insights

02:44 Challenges with Amazon Affiliate Program

03:54 Creating and Managing Affiliate Links

15:59 Exploring Other Affiliate Programs

21:58 Ubiquity Product Confusion

27:23 Persistent Network Issues

28:01 Unify Setup Challenges

29:57 WiFi Optimization Strategies

31:08 Wake from Sleep Troubles

36:43 Software Update Management

39:31 MDM vs DDM: A Deep Dive

48:37 Custom Solutions for Updates

51:01 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

Best Of CCP - 087: Joe's Birthday Bash

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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.