Insightful coaching session with Brian Doyle from VCIO Toolbox, listeners are introduced to the concept of "Governance as a Service" and how it can significantly impact and enhance the Managed Service Provider ecosphere.

Brian explains the importance of governance in the security and compliance sectors, particularly in building a cybersecurity culture that increases cyber insurance viability and meets regulatory requirements.

With the rising attention to governance in updates from frameworks like NIST CSF and CIS, organizations need a structured approach to ensuring cybersecurity and compliance efficacy.

Throughout the episode, Brian discusses the essential components of an effective governance service including policy development, risk management, compliance monitoring, and data governance. He accentuates the role of MSPs in facilitating these processes, helping clients navigate regulatory landscapes such as CMMC, HIPAA, and ISO standards. Listeners will learn valuable strategies for enhancing client MSP relationships through stakeholder engagement, training, and continuous improvement, ultimately driving new recurring revenue streams for their business. Tools like VCIO Toolbox’s Cybranch GRC platform are highlighted for their efficacy in supporting these initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Governance as a Critical Component: Governance plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, facilitating compliance, reducing audit workloads, and mitigating security risks, making it a valuable service offering for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
• Evolving Regulatory Landscape:** Frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0 and CIS have shifted focus heavily towards governance, underscoring the importance of having robust governance systems to adhere to compliance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement and Client Engagement: Proactively maintaining policies, engaging with multiple stakeholders, and fostering a cybersecurity culture can streamline governance processes and strengthen client relationships.
• Maximizing MSP Tools and Resources: Utilizing technologies and frameworks effectively can help ensure clients meet their cybersecurity objectives with increased efficiency.

Emerging Opportunities in Vendor Management: MSPs can further integrate governance services by managing vendor and supplier risks, providing comprehensive security and compliance solutions to clients.

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Welcome to another engaging episode of MSP Business School, where your host Brian Doyle dives into the pressing issue of cyber insurance claims, which shockingly sees over 40% rejected, posing significant threats to businesses. In this fireside chat, Brian navigates through the core challenges MSPs face when dealing with cyber programs for their customers, urging them to build robust security and governance frameworks to minimize risks and ensure their claims are payable during security incidents.

In this episode, the transcript illuminates how MSPs can enhance their cybersecurity offerings by focusing on accurate application processes, comprehensive policies, and improved risk management strategies. By implementing frameworks like NIST CSF or CIS, MSPs can better serve clients, ensuring that gaps are identified, and risks mitigated effectively. Brian stresses the value of multifaceted cybersecurity programs, from human capital considerations to architecture, tools, and advisory services, offering insightful strategies to build resilient client partnerships and establish themselves as trusted advisors in the C-suite.

• Cyber insurance claims see a 40% rejection rate, often due to inaccuracies in insurance applications.

• Creating a culture of cybersecurity through detailed policies, user training, and risk assessment is crucial for businesses.

• MSPs are encouraged to adopt a governance layer, leveraging frameworks like NIST CSF, to facilitate comprehensive risk management profiles.

• Emphasizing the role of VCISO, MSPs should assist clients in developing strategic cyber programs addressing architecture, tools, training, and compliance.

• Ensuring robust incident management and cybersecurity defense programs can safeguard against both immediate threats and long-term reputational damage.

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Larry Meador LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymeador/
Company: Cavelo Website: https://cavelo.com

Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle engages in a vibrant conversation with Larry Meador from Cavelo. Brian touches on his past experiences and insights into the MSP space, setting a friendly and informative tone for the discussion. Meanwhile, Larry shares his rich career journey, shedding light on the lessons learned and transformations observed in the industry over the years. The episode explores Larry's transition through different roles and companies, concluding with his current position at Cavelo, where he is instrumental in their mission to redefine attack surface management. Larry Meador delves into Cavelo's core functionalities and the significance of its platform in addressing the complexities of modern MSP environments. He emphasizes the shift towards comprehensive data management, identity access management, and asset discovery as key elements in an MSP's cybersecurity framework. Larry highlights the growing importance of understanding the whereabouts of sensitive data and the increasing demands of cyber insurance protocols. This episode is packed with valuable insights into leveraging technology for compliance and security optimizations, sustaining a trusted adviser role in the MSP sphere.

Key Take Aways: :

• Larry's Career Path: With over 20 years in the MSP space, Larry Meador enriches the discussion with his extensive background and transitions through various roles leading up to Cavelo.
• Cavelo's Platform: Cavelo offers an attack surface management platform focusing on data discovery, asset discovery, identity access management, and vulnerability management for MSPs.
• Increased Compliance Needs: The conversation underscores how compliance and cyber insurance requirements are reshaping the responsibilities and capabilities of MSPs.
• MSP as Trusted Advisors: Larry points out the evolution of MSPs into roles similar to management consultants, emphasizing proactive data and security management.
• Industry Evolution: Addressing the broader industry shifts post-COVID, the discussion draws parallels with past trends, setting the stage for the future of MSP services.
  
  
  Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Join Brian Doyle on the MSP Business School podcast as he has a fireside chat with Frank Raimondi from Nodeware. This episode provides an engaging exploration of the critical importance of cyber hygiene for businesses heading into the new year.

It highlights the evolving responsibilities of MSPs in the cybersecurity landscape. As Frank delves into the intricacies of effective cybersecurity strategies, he also shares news about his new podcast venture, "Frankly Speaking," bringing fresh perspectives to existing and potential Nodeware users.

In this insightful episode, listeners will gain valuable knowledge about essential measures for reinforcing cybersecurity, including vulnerability management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), email security, and security awareness training.

Emphasizing the importance of proactive cyber hygiene, Raimondi speaks to the expanding role of penetration tests and third-party risk assessments. The conversation also touches on the growing necessity for MSPs to guide their clients through the changing cybersecurity terrain, with businesses realizing the significant risks posed by inadequate security measures. This episode is rich with strategies to boost security postures and reduce potential liabilities.

• Cybersecurity as a Priority: Implementing strong cyber hygiene is crucial for businesses to safeguard against claims rejections and ensure better engagement with their customers.
• Proactive Measures: Tools like vulnerability management, MFA, and security awareness training play a significant role in reducing cybersecurity risks.
• Human Factor in Cybersecurity: Emphasizing the cultural shift towards cyber awareness and making staff a key line of defense against potential threats.
• Value of Penetration Testing: MSPs are encouraged to offer penetration testing to evaluate and reinforce their clients' existing cybersecurity measures critically.
• Expansion of Cyber Services: MSPs have lucrative opportunities by adding more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity services based on emerging threats and client demands.

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest

Name: Frank Raimondi
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankraimondi/
Company: Nodeware Website: https://nodeware.com

Host

Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/
Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of MSP Business School, Brian Doyle engages with Andrew Hartman, the founder of Time Boss, to delve into the intricacies of effective time management.

The conversation highlights common pitfalls in managing time and stress, particularly in high-demand environments like MSPs, where technical founders often struggle with overwhelming tasks. Andrew shares his personal journey through oppressive stress, which even affected his health, and how he developed strategies that became foundational to his company, Time Boss.

Andrew discusses the essence of managing chaos and the uniqueness of Time Boss, a system developed over a decade to bridge the gap between pressing daily demands and sustainable productivity. Key themes include the importance of carving out time for priorities amidst chaos, the impact of stress on creativity and performance, and the need for a structured framework to navigate daily tasks effectively.

By adopting the Time Boss methodology, MSPs can expect a notable increase in productivity and personal peace, achieving a balanced work-life dynamic.

Key Takeaways:

• Separate Chaos from Priorities: Andrew emphasizes the need to allocate time for both chaos and strategic priorities to manage overwhelming workloads effectively.
• Habit Change is Essential: Andrew stresses that improving time management involves altering long-standing habits and embracing new approaches to workload management.
• Unified Team Approach: By incorporating a shared language for time management within teams, organizations can enhance coordination and empathy among team members.
• Time Overlap Awareness: Understanding comeback time and multitasking effects on productivity can reclaim lost hours and increase focus on core tasks.
• Reality-Based Time Planning: Andrew advises that recognizing time's limitations helps in strategic adjustments to align tasks with available resources.

Guest Name: Andrew Hartman

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhartman/
Company: Time Boss
Website: https://www.timeboss.us/

Host
Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Sponsor
vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest

Name: Jonathan Schofield
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnathan-schofield/
Company: Channel Falcon
Website: https://www.channelfalcon.com/

Host

Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

In this episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle converses with Jonathan Schofield of Channel Falcon. As a prominent figure in the MSP community, Schofield shares his journey from technology sales into his pivotal role within the managed service provider space. Highlighting the significance of building a recognizable brand through consistent messaging and strategic outreach, Jonathan emphasizes the necessity of authentic connections for accruing mental real estate and driving business success.

|Jonathan delves into the concept of mental real estate, illustrating its critical role in MSP growth strategies. Suggesting that traditional marketing approaches don't always translate into the IT services sector, he champions the power of authentic, physical human interactions as a means to earn prospective customers' trust.

Throughout the conversation, Schofield offers insights on leveraging existing client relationships, networking locally, and the value of engaging in community-centric initiatives to elevate business visibility. His unique perspective is drawn from firsthand experiences and his ongoing work with Channel Falcon, where he seeks to create an economy of trust for businesses seeking reliable MSPs.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental Real Estate: Building mental real estate through authentic connections is crucial for MSPs to stand out among prospective clients.
• Networking: Engaging in local networking is a powerful strategy; proximity and personal interactions outweigh traditional marketing methods in the IT service industry.
• Iterative Development: Seeking client feedback prior to launching new initiatives ensures relevance and increased engagement.
• Service Responsibility: MSP growth is the sole responsibility of its leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactive and strategic outreach.
• Channel Falcon Vision: Jonathan's vision for Channel Falcon involves creating a trust-based network that facilitates secure and efficient MSP-client connections.

Sponsor: vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Alex Ivanov
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-ivanov-5018b429/
Company: Accellis
Website: https://www.accellis.com/

Host: Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/

Welcome to the latest episode of MSP Business School, featuring Alex Ivanov from Accellis. In this engaging session, host Brian Doyle and Alex explore the evolving role of the Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) within the MSP realm, particularly in the context of Technical Business Reviews (TBRs). Alex shares his wealth of experience in MSP practice, elucidating the journey from an engineering background to leading a client strategy team at Accellis.

Through candid conversation, this episode delves into how vCIOs act as client advocates, focus on trust-building, and help demystify the technology landscape for businesses.

The discussion navigates the nuanced responsibilities of vCIOs and the inherent need to balance technology recommendations with business goals. Alex emphasizes the importance of establishing trust, likening the vCIO role to being both advisor and partner to clients, especially in industries like legal services replete with type-A personalities.

The conversation further highlights the significance of strategic preparation in client relationships, fostering clearer communication, and demystifying cybersecurity risks to empower informed business decisions. Join this insightful session to gain a deeper understanding of navigating complex client dynamics and enhancing MSP client engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• vCIOs must prioritize trust and client advocacy, focusing on strategic guidance rather than sales.
• Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients is essential for long-term success in MSP engagements.
• Preparation and understanding client motivations are crucial, especially when dealing with type-A personalities like legal professionals.
• Regular, non-sales-focused TBRs can enhance client trust and reveal deeper business needs.
• vCIO roles are evolving to include more emphasis on cybersecurity awareness and client education.

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

In this engaging episode of MSP Business School, host Brian Doyle introduces Dror Liwer, co-founder of Coro, to dive into the arena of cybersecurity for MSPs (Managed Service Providers).

As the holiday season emerges, there's a significant emphasis on drawing the curtains on 2023 with fortified security strategies. Dror shares Coro's approach to simplifying cybersecurity for small and mid-sized businesses by optimizing MSP capabilities through a robust, single-pane management platform.

The episode explores Coro's unique positioning in the cybersecurity sphere, highlighting their seamless integration approach to mitigate sunk costs and training burdens faced by MSPs. Drawing keen attention to Coro’s strategic alignment with MSPs, Dror discusses their modular cybersecurity platform that addresses six critical security domains, thus redefining efficiency and cost-efficacy in the cybersecurity landscape.

The session also covers how Coro’s solutions facilitate easier transitions to managed services, allowing MSPs to maintain flexibility while expanding their security offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• Coro's modular cybersecurity platform streamlines security management across six key areas, helping MSPs provide comprehensive protection with minimal sunk costs.
• Leveraging a single endpoint agent, Coro offers seamless integration, allowing IT administrators—regardless of their cybersecurity expertise—to operate efficiently from day one.
• The growing necessity for robust cybersecurity solutions is recognized as a primary driver for MSP growth, with security services forming a key part of customer retention and acquisition strategy.
• Dror emphasizes the importance of MSPs tapping into the rapidly expanding SMB cybersecurity market, projected to quadruple by 2028.
• Coro offers a partner-focused approach, including white-label managed services, to empower MSPs in building and scaling their cybersecurity offerings

Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/

Guest Name: Dror Liwer
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drorliwer/
Company: Coro
Website: https://www.coro.net/

Host
Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylemetathinq/

Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com