Richard Tubb's Blog, page 10
January 23, 2025
How to Inspire Your Team to Plan Ahead – and Stay Accountable – in 2025
It’s January! And, for plenty of us, that means making resolutions, setting new habits, and generally filling up on good intentions. We’re also working with our team to plan ahead.
For those of us who are business owners, it also means thinking carefully about the goals we want to achieve by the end of the next 12 months, and to help get the whole team together to join in.
Knowing how to plan for the year ahead is one battle on its own – what about motivating your team to get behind your plans and mission? Hopefully, you’re already pretty open and communicative with the whole team – but when it comes to motivation and accountability, keeping the same balls rolling from January through to December isn’t always easy.
That said, if you already manage a team and run your own MSP, you’re already doing plenty right as a leader and a motivator. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re going to have all the answers when it comes to getting people to stick to plans and to become fully accountable as a joint unit.
The answer certainly isn’t in micromanagement, and you can definitely overthink things. Don’t think you can make 2025 the year you sacrifice mental health for targets!
In this guide, I’ll take you through a few simple ideas to help get you and your team motivated about putting those new year’s business resolutions into practice, and to start visualising success.
You might be looking up at the mountain right now – but you’ll need to rely on each other if you want any chance of scaling to the top.
Now – once you’re clear on what you’d like to achieve this year (and once you have a few apps and tools in your arsenal to help you stay accountable), it’s time to start planning the approach.
Gone are the days of throwing an idea out there and telling the team to stick to it. Frankly, that’s a good thing! There’s strength in collaboration, and Team Tubb is living proof of that!
So, here are some top ideas to consider when looking for new ways to energise and inspire your team with the latest goals and missions you have laid out by December’s end.
Why do we all forget the previous year so quickly? Chances are, plenty of you are so quick to embrace 2025 as a new slate that you likely sealed 2024 without much of a second thought. Don’t worry – you certainly aren’t alone.
A new year isn’t an excuse to put yourself down with regard to how you’ve performed as a team or a business across previous years. Yes, there might be aspects of your business that you could improve on – and there will always be room for improvement, it’s just being realistic – but there’s plenty for you to shout about, too.
Take time with your team to reflect on some of the biggest wins from last year. What targets did you meet? In what areas did you exceed performance and delivery from the year before? What did you all do as a team to reach those moments?
Doing this can be a fantastic driver to help you realise that you’re all able to replicate that kind of success for the year ahead. If you succeeded last year, why not go ahead and double the success this year?
Celebrating success and winning moments is great for energising people. Even if they are small or seemingly insignificant compared to the mountains ahead.
Show people that you care about the impacts they’ve made over the past year, and help them realise how they can do even better in 2025, if not replicate that success again.
2. Ask Your Team for Their Favourite MomentsLet’s stick with the first point a little bit longer. As the MSP owner, it’s probably tempting to try and pick out all the greatest hits from 2024 according to your raw data and oversight. However, the best people who can really drill down into last year’s wins will be, of course, your individual team members!
So, before you go marching on into 2025, take a few moments to ask your team members what they really enjoyed about work in the past year.
Ask them about their personal wins and accomplishments. Were there any goals or checkpoints that they set that they particularly aced or swept past? What were their favourite projects or even social occasions with the team in the past year?
What was it about working with specific clients – for example – that made your team want to really keep going and do their best for the end users who buy from you?
This is a great little exercise that can help your team members become a little more introspective about their talents and gain a little more self-esteem. It’s good to get perspective regularly and not focus on the negatives.
Instead, allow your team to think carefully about what really drives them as the new year looms into view.
With that, it’ll be easier for you all to collaborate on goals. And assign people to projects and personal development where everyone can shine.
3. Focus on Individual DevelopmentYes, it’s healthy to have big goals for the whole business and for your client base. However, given that we’re discussing how to motivate your team to get behind your plans and ideas for the year ahead, let’s focus now on how to support people on an individual level.
If you don’t already have personal development plans (PDPs) in place, now is a great time to start. Working for you shouldn’t just be about earning money and gaining experience. The most enjoyable workplaces are supportive and give people a chance to explore what really drives them.
That might mean some people want to study certain skills. Others want the chance to shine by taking on their own projects, or taking control of customer and client outreach.
The ideal place to discuss these plans and possibilities is by setting up individual PDPs with each of your team.
PDPs are all about setting goals, being realistic, and helping people see that they can reach out and ask you for help if they need it.
You can (and should) design PDPs so that they align with the business’s goals. At the same time give individual people the opportunity to grow and develop in-house.
Around eight in ten people want their employers to prioritise personal development to the extent that they would quit if such needs went unmet. How are you going to stick to your plans for the business if you’re not supporting your people’s goals alongside?
Develop a supportive and open-ended PDP and revisit checkpoints with your team members throughout the year. Keep everyone involved in the journey your firm is taking.
Talk to Your Team!Plus explore with them how you can use their talents and interests to push the company forward. It’s also a great opportunity to simply ask for feedback about your plans and missions.
How many people feel that you are being fair and realistic, for example? How many people feel that they will need additional support and guidance to support you in the long run this year?
Your firm’s ability to plan ahead effectively and meet those goals relies on your people. Otherwise, you’re filling your calendar and apps with buzzwords and hollow targets. Focus on the strength of your people and make them even stronger with well-designed PDPs.
I recommend taking a look at AIHR’s personal development plan template as a great starting point if you’re unsure how to draft up an action plan for each of the team. You don’t have to follow it to the letter, but it’s great food for thought.
Don’t be so quick to leap to HR and power up recruitment drives for the year ahead. There’s plenty of skill and potential in your existing team – you just need to know how to tease out people’s best qualities to help everyone hit their targets for the year ahead.
One of the best ways to do this is to simply focus on testing. You could use skills testing and questionnaires, for example, to measure certain characteristics and behaviours.
Alternatively, ask questions of your team members that point towards your end goals for the year.
During PDP meetings, say, you could ask team members to explain how they might improve or re-sell a specific product to a new prospective audience. This is a great chance to get some new ideas and to earmark certain people for certain roles.
By asking people to answer open-ended questions and to pinpoint their skills, it gets easier for you to allocate the right experts to the best projects. And therefore keep your overall goals for 2025 in clear sight.
Consider upskilling people who have the aptitude and attitude to do well in other areas of your business. For example, you could find talented salespeople hiding in the back office, or talented accountants and bookkeepers in the contact centre.
To achieve your plans and goals for 2025, it’s worth believing in the unlimited potential of your people. As corny as that might sound, we all have the potential to train and do what really drives us – so, make the most of those PDPs.
At the same time, never force training or upskilling onto people who simply don’t want to take part, or who feel more comfortable following a different route. Let your people develop the team plan. And accommodate them as best as you possibly can!
5. Check in on Mental Health as Part of Your Team PanYour team isn’t going to feel very inspired if they’re feeling beaten down or are struggling with any part of their mental health. And, simply pushing people towards end goals without considering mental strain is about as unethical as you can get.
By prioritising people’s mental health (perhaps, again, as part of a PDP), you’re showing them that you care about them as people, not necessarily as workers.
From a productivity and planning perspective, yes, people who are more engaged and happy at work are more likely to help your business hit its goals. However, there’s a very obvious greater good here.
Focus on creating a mental health programme for your MSP where people can discuss issues they might be facing in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Again, ask questions as part of PDPs, where appropriate. Touch base with your team members and to make sure they are receiving the support they need.
Doing so will also help people to feel more comfortable with the business and more in tune with you and your goals.
You’ll find it easier to encourage people to work together and to trust in the business if, in return, you invest in their wellbeing.
A happy MSP team is a productive MSP team. And that means meeting your people one on one and genuinely being there for them if they need you.
6. Look Ahead and Consider Training in the Team PlanNow’s the time to look ahead at any future projects or clients you’re looking to engage with and to consider your team’s capability to handle upcoming tasks and expectations.
Are there any training or knowledge gaps that you can assess right away to help your people hit the ground running in the weeks and months to come?
Think beyond individual needs and upskilling, though that is equally important. Instead, focus on where your team is at as a whole.
Is there a new client coming on board that benefits from a specific type of process or prefers a certain way of doing things? Instead of pretending you know the ropes, give your team the chance to train up in the specialist areas that tick your clients’ boxes.
Don’t just do this to impress clients and hit short-term goals, of course. Think of this as a long-term investment.
The more strings you can add to your collective bow, the more capable your business will be in the long run. And then the more varied projects you can take on. Win-win!
Again, blindly pressing ahead without consulting your team won’t mean you hit goals and all be on the same page.
So, while developing and delivering PDP sessions, try to ask for ongoing feedback regarding the support they’re receiving. Ask how they feel about the long-term plans you have in place.
Are there any processes that your team may wish to change? Do they have any specific insight that they could add to help improve your chances of meeting your goals for 2025?
Their ideas and skills are just as important as yours. So make the most of them, and, as always, give credit where it’s due!
8. Consider Gamifying and Setting AchievementsGamification is a bit of a phenomenon. In the same way that millions of people play video games to hunt down achievements and trophies, there are several businesses that are following suit.
They set up leaderboards and create spot prizes to encourage people to be productive at work. One of the best ways to embrace gamification is by tying it in with PDPs and personal development in general.
Instead of allowing people to compare themselves to others, give spot rewards and targets they can be proud of on their own.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little competition, but it’s always a good idea to be sensitive. Not everyone will find gamification appealing, and not everyone will even find it motivating.
So, take the safe route and ask for individual feedback from your employees before you roll anything out company-wide.
9. Introduce New Tools and Help People AcclimatiseThere are tons of great productivity and planning apps out there that can help whole teams of people collaborate and realise goals more easily and efficiently. What’s more, the best productivity suites and apps help to keep everyone accountable for their parts in ongoing projects.
However, you can’t always guarantee that you’ll get people to buy into every piece of software you introduce. Therefore, try to introduce certain new features and tools gradually. Take time to offer training and answer questions.
If possible, give people time to explore new software on their own before they are expected to use it for urgent projects or deadlines. This way, they can get comfortable with the interface they’re using and reach out if they have difficulties.
This is a great way to encourage accountability and to make sure people know that you have an open door policy – not just in terms of everyday issues, but also with regard to tools of the trade.
10. Above all, be Firm but FairIf much of this guide so far sounds as if I’m suggesting you should pander to your team’s every need without considering the business, that’s certainly not what I’m striving for.
As a manager or MSP owner, you always need to strike a careful balance. B firm, supportive leader, and someone who holds your entire business accountable for what happens next.
Be ready to address performance and development issues individually with people, but do so as a coach or supporter. Don’t be someone who admonishes others without first considering why certain targets weren’t met.
Try not to be a complete disciplinarian and, where possible, give people control and credit for individual projects.
Freedom to work and express oneself can go a long way toward encouraging greater buy-in on missions and long-term plans.
For people to invest time and interest in you as a company, you need to invest just as much time and interest in them. That means being genuine and holding open conversations. It means looking at more than just data and raw end results.
Think back to the best moments of 2024, as discussed all the way back in point one. What was it about your team’s performance that really helped the business hit those important markers?
How can you encourage that kind of productivity and performance for years to come? Don’t just assume that it’s lightning in a bottle or that it’s only certain people who will achieve specific results.
As discussed, you can always train and encourage the right people to grow and embody your company’s mission and vision.
Becoming an effective and supportive leader – one who can genuinely tap into what drives and inspires people – takes time and effort. You can’t expect to switch leadership qualities on and off.
And that means you, too, might need to do some development of your own. So make that part of your team plan.
However, amid all this talk of support for others and prioritising mental health, you also need to consider your own health and performance. Time off for leaders, for example, is vital – so don’t put yourself at the back of the queue.
Remember, there are lots of resources out there that can help you lead more efficiently and effectively while heading towards your team’s goals for 2025. Take a look, for example, at our guide on how to become a masterful leader so you can retain the best talent.
And, as always, if you have any tips or tricks of your own that have helped you support people in pursuit of your yearly goals, let us know – we want to hear from you!
The post How to Inspire Your Team to Plan Ahead – and Stay Accountable – in 2025 appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 22, 2025
Transform Your MSP Business with the Ultimate Quarterly Review Framework
How can a review of your IT solution provider or Managed Service Provider (MSP) business’s progress help you to transform it?
The business year runs by so quickly, and I am always surprised at the speed at which time has flown. It’s a common feeling in the busy world of MSPs.
No doubt, we’re all collectively left wondering what to expect from the time ahead of us. But instead of simply wondering, why not take control by conducting a structured review of your business?
Next week, I will be hosting our quarterly review—an important moment for me and Team Tubb to reflect on what has happened and take the initiative to shape what will happen in the coming months.
Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) are invaluable for MSPs because they strengthen client relationships by aligning their goals with your services, showcasing your value, and identifying opportunities to drive mutual growth. They’re a proven method of ensuring clients get the best from your expertise and solutions.
Yet, despite QBRs clearly driving growth for MSP clients, I’ve observed that very few MSPs seem to do a QBR for their own business. It’s a missed opportunity to take the same principles of alignment, improvement, and value and apply them to your own operations.
When it comes to reviewing your own business, I’d suggest a structured conversation fueled by your passion to get things right for your MSP clients in an increasingly complex and demanding business world. After all, how can we expect to deliver the best for our clients if we’re not operating at our best?
Some time ago, I was introduced to the ‘3, 2, 1 Quarterly Review,’ which is based on three key questions, two main decisions, and one core action. It’s a simple yet powerful conversation that works whether you’re a solo MSP or a growing team.
The 3 Key QuestionsRegarding our services: What has been most popular and least popular in the past three months?Let’s look at our systems: What has supported our service delivery, and what got in the way of excellence?About our technical solutions: What has provided us with the best value, and what has been superseded with better alternatives?The 2 Main DecisionsInformed by those answers, what should we remove across our services, systems, and solutions?What should we retain and reinforce across all three areas?The 1 Core ActionCreate a timetable of practical actions to complete the removal and reinforcement of your services, systems, and solutions in a timely manner. Break these actions into manageable steps and assign ownership to ensure accountability.
Time is the most valuable resource for MSPs, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of client work. But taking the time to step back and evaluate your own business ensures that you’re not just staying afloat but thriving. Regular self-reviews help you identify inefficiencies, adapt to changing markets, and stay ahead of the competition.
To make it even more impactful, consider drawing a parallel to your client-facing QBRs. Just as you aim to align their goals with your services, an internal QBR allows you to align your goals with your business’s evolving needs.
My final recommendation for your business review is to approach it with a sense of celebration. Recognizing your achievements isn’t just about boosting morale—it’s about reinforcing a culture of excellence within your team.
So, what do you do that merits applause? Maybe it’s completing a complex client migration, achieving a new certification, or simply delivering consistently high levels of customer satisfaction. Whatever it is, take a moment to celebrate those wins. After all, if we can’t be our biggest fans, who will?
Celebrating wins also has a practical benefit. It’s an opportunity to connect your team’s achievements with how they’ve positively impacted your clients and your business. This can be incredibly motivating and sets the tone for continued success.
Running QBRs for clients is a tried-and-tested method of improving relationships and increasing the value you deliver to your Managed Service clients. But don’t stop there. Take those principles and implement a regular QBR for your own MSP business, too.
Use the ‘3, 2, 1 Quarterly Review’ format to guide your discussions, celebrate your wins, and make informed decisions that will drive your business forward. You’ll be amazed at how much clarity and momentum this simple process can provide.
Do you do regular business reviews? Do you follow the process outlined above, or do you have another method? I’d love to know what works for you! Leave a comment below or get in touch.
The post Transform Your MSP Business with the Ultimate Quarterly Review Framework appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 21, 2025
Reduce Stress in 2025: Build in a Business Airlock
In this guest post for Tubblog, long-time supporter of the blog (and past podcast guest!) Dave Algeo introduces the concept of the business airlock, and how it can help you reduce stress.
Think back to the end of 2024. Were you hanging on for the Christmas break? Or did you work over Christmas with a break in the New Year to look forward to?
So many of us find the last few weeks and days before Christmas to be even more hectic as we try to finish things off and leave the so-called ‘in-tray’ as clear as possible. With that we work extra hard because we want to feel like we can start the New Year fresh and clear minded.
The trouble is, in doing so we can work ourselves into a frazzle and spend the first few precious days of festive down-time unwinding and maybe even nursing a stress-flu. You know that feeling of ‘finally, I can unwind’…
And then for some reason your body takes that as a signal to switch off the immune system and let you fall prey to any and every bug going.
It’s happened to me time and again, all so I can get that elusive feeling of ease knowing nothing is going to bite my backside over the Christmas period. And the truth is, there’s no guarantee that we can actually achieve that state.
And let’s face it, as the new year ramps up there is always plenty to do, despite our efforts to clear the decks.
Add to that, we often add in a few ‘new year resolutions’ to work towards too, don’t we?
It took me years to realise that I was chasing a dream. The dream of a blissful work-free Christmas that never materialised. Usually because I was either nursing that cold or unable to really switch-off after being so in the habit of working at a frenzied pace.
That’s why I have come to adopt a more realistic approach to the work and I encourage you to do so too.
I came to realise that as important as Christmas is, it is simply another week or so in the year and one in which I can accept less than perfect.
Because that’s the truth for many of us. We are approaching how we celebrate or enjoy the Christmas period with a perfectionist’s mindset.
And in setting such high expectations, we can actually rob the period of some of its real joy. The joy of just being present to it and appreciating the time we have with loved ones and friends.
If you can relate and want to find another way to head into next Christmas, or indeed any holiday or break, then I recommend a reframe. And then it’s time to introduce the business airlock into your life.
First, the reframe: Give yourself permission to leave things unfinished and focus on leaving what you can to the next year. Then the airlock.
Imagine an astronaut, having completed the space-walk, seeking to return to the safety of the space-station. As they transition from space outside, they first enter the airlock. A capsule in which they have to wait in order to allow the vacuum of space to be ejected back outside, and breathable air/pressure to return.
Once normalised and safe the astronaut can safely remove the space-suit, enter the main part of the capsule and engage in other activities.
That space and the time to allow for the return of the appropriate atmosphere is critical to ensure the safety of not just the space-walker but everyone inside the station.
Now imagine something similar in our own day-to-day lives. A small amount of space between work and rest (or play) to allow us to adapt to a different atmosphere. It doesn’t need to be a physical capsule, but it does need to provide a buffer between the two atmospheres of work and rest.
Why?
Because it can take a while for your stressed-out frazzled brain to catch up with your body. I bet you have experienced that feeling of physically being at home, and realising your brain is still at work?
In other words, your body might be on the break, but your mind is still buzzing from all the demands and things left unfinished.
That’s where the business airlock comes in. Like that capsule between space outside and the inside of the spacecraft, a psychological airlock can really help you decompress and adjust to the new atmosphere.
Otherwise you may be wandering around in your space-suit trying to turn the telly on, or get comfy on the sofa – awkward!
The good news is you don’t need a NASA scale budget to install your own airlock. You simply need to create a little time and space between the different atmospheres. This is to allow your brain to disengage from work (akin to taking off the space-suit). And then engage with being present and available for the restful activities.
So, make a point of giving yourself about 20-30 minutes in which you:
Close the tabs in your brain – your brain doesn’t like things left hanging. Capture on paper or a to-do list/diary all those unfinished things that you need to pick up in 2025. And remember you don’t need to actually finish things to close the tabs – just capture them outside your head.For each one, write down the first sprout-sized action you need to take – that helps reduce the friction when you get started and will help your brain let go.Get the work out of sight – laptop away, etcTake a deep breath and plan something to mark the start of your break.ENJOY!Keep your Airlock simple and transportable. Nothing fancy is required. You might find a small notebook and pen is all you need to take with you into your airlock.
So, as you approach your next break, whether it’s half term, a holiday, the weekend or even the end of your working day, invest in your psychological business airlock.
So, what do you think? Are you going to incorporate a business airlock into your MSP this year? And remember, if you find you’re struggling with your mental health, we have a list of resources here for you.
The post Reduce Stress in 2025: Build in a Business Airlock appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 20, 2025
TubbTalk 174: Insights From One of the UK’s Most Innovative MSPs
Chris Pottrell is the Managing Director of Nebula IT, an MSP with a strong focus on cybersecurity. Their comprehensive set of services make them on of the most innovative MSPs to watch.
An Interview With Chris PottrellWatch the Video Interview With Chris PottrellTypical Clients for Nebula ITNebula IT has been going for 12 years and now have 17 staff. Chris explains that when they started out they worked with all kinds of businesses. However, in the last five or six years, they’ve been consciously niching down.
“So for us, that’s been with the MOD (Ministry of Defence) supply chain. And you’d be surprised by how many different types of business work with them. But everyone within it has to be regulated, especially when it comes to cyber protection.
“We fell into it by accident, but over the last few years we’ve worked with several different companies within that supply chain. And once we really looked into them, we quickly spotted where they had vulnerabilities and were at risk. So we were able to prevent those as much as we could.”
Why Innovative MSPs View Their Outsource Partners as Part of the Team“We’ve always been open about who we partner with,” says Chris. “In fact, when you work with the MOD you have to be. Although at one point, we tried to develop our own SOC (security operations centre)!
“However, we soon realised that it came with massive overheads. And not just in terms of cost, but also in recruitment, upskilling and so on. So we chose to find an outsourcing partner. We went with Huntress, who are cybersecurity experts.
“Not only do they provide SOC, but they’ve given us invaluable support as we looked to transition into being an MSSP (managed security service provider). They took the time to really get to know Nebula, answer our questions and help with challenges. They really are part of the team.”
A Real-Life Example of How Nebula Resolved a Security BreachPart of Nebula’s onboarding process is to deploy tools into a client’s Microsoft 365 stack. And as Chris explains: “It doesn’t just turn on and support you from then on. It also looks back at what’s gone on in the past. It looks at everything.
“And we ran it for one new client and realised that every financial body in that company had been compromised at some point. And the mailbox rules were still in place. So Huntress helped us by blocking access to four problem mailboxes and let us know we needed to take action.
“So with their help, we blocked the mailboxes and worked out what had happened. And we cleaned up the rules so it couldn’t happen again. This was great for the new client, as it showed we’re proactive.”
Why Innovative MSPs Should Offer Cybersecurity Awareness TrainingAt Nebula IT, cybersecurity awareness training is obligatory for all new clients. “For us, it’s not something they have a choice with,” says Chris. The Nebula team know that human error is a risk, so work with clients to mitigate that.
“So we’re quite regimented, even internally. We make sure our clients start training on day one. We look for gaps in knowledge and address those, and offer compulsory training the whole time we work together.
“But we also complement that with our own trainers who do half-day, in-person training events. We want them to understand what could go wrong and how to reduce that happening. We put controls in place, but ultimately it’s their responsibility.”
The Company Culture at Nebula ITChris likes to involve the whole team in an end-of-year wrap-up. “For us, we don’t say we’re close like a family. Instead, we describe ourselves as more like a professional football team. Because I truly believe that we’ve got the right people in the right seats doing the right job.
“And they want to do their jobs, so they all pull in the right direction. We all work together. We trust people to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. And we support them to develop their careers however they want.
“We also have a strong emphasis on volunteering – everyone gets involved with causes we support. That might be local sports teams, taking at-risk kids out to the cinema or for adventure days. It brings the team together and they have fun.”
Where Innovative MSPs Look for OpportunitiesAs a techy at heart, Chris admits that he’s easily distracted by new, shiny toys. “The team has told me not to keep doing it! I can’t keep introducing new tools and solutions I’ve found.
“So what we do as a team is review the tools we have and see if they’re still the right fit for us. If they are, we get as much out of them as we can. But if they’re not, we look for alternatives.
“And for me personally, I love going to industry events. I attend the Pax8 Beyond, Connectwise and DattoCon conferences. It’s a good way to keep in touch with MSPs and hear from vendors. That way we can stay innovative.”
How to Connect With Chris PottrellNebula ITFollow Nebula IT on LinkedInLike Nebula IT on FacebookConnect with Chris Pottrell on LinkedInHow to Connect With MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate, and review TubbTalk on iTunesSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeCybersecurity experts: HuntressUK cyber assurance standard: IASMECloud marketplace: Pax8IT management software: ConnectWisePSA tool: AutotaskAccounting software: Xero365 management tool: inforcer365 management tool: Inside AgentCybersecurity compliance: OneClickComplyCybersecurity platform: SentinelOneCloud-native SIEM solution: Azure SentinelPodcast interview with Dray AghaAI assistant: Microsoft Copilot365 security tool: HornetsecurityData management tool: Mozart DataCybersecurity accreditation (UK): Cyber EssentialsInformation security certification: ISO 27001Virtualize Microsoft desktops: Azure Virtual DesktopPodcast interview with Andy ReadmanEndpoint management: Microsoft IntuneBook: Gino Wickman: Traction: Get a Grip on Your BusinessBook: Gino Wickman: The EOS LifeRichard’s appearance on Luis Giraldo of Scalepad’s podcastMSP peer group: IT Nation EvolvePodcast interview with Eric OstlundMSP event: Pax8 Beyond EMEAMSP event: DattoCon EuropeMSP event: Pax8 Beyond DenverYou Might Also be Interested inIn-House or Outsourced IT Cybersecurity: Which is Best for MSPs?Podcast: Who are the New Breed of Customer-Focused MSPs?How to Keep Smart in Cybersecurity With Your IoT Smart Devices
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January 15, 2025
Embracing 2025: Our Intentional Words for the New Year
As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we want to achieve and how we want to navigate the year ahead. And to start off, we’d like to share our intentional words.
Here at TeamTubb, we’ve adopted Richard’s tradition of choosing our guiding words for the year—three words that will shape our actions, mindset, and intentions. This simple but powerful practice helps us stay focused on what truly matters, and we’re excited to share our words for 2025 with you.
We hope these words inspire you to reflect on your own guiding principles for the year, and perhaps even choose your own three intentional words to help shape your path in 2025. You can also find out more about choosing your 3 words for the year from the originator of My 3 Words, Chris Brogan!
Kareena is choosing to embrace challenges and build meaningful relationships in 2025.
Adventure: Kareena is diving into physical challenges like Hyrox, obstacle courses, and tackling all 13 peaks in Cape Town. Adventure for her is about pushing her limits, exploring new landscapes, and capturing these experiences through her photography. It’s also about embracing a sense of discovery, both inside and outside.Inspire: Kareena wants to help others break free from the busyness of life and rediscover play and adventure. She’s focused on inspiring people to reconnect with joy and embrace the things that truly matter.Connect: Building deeper connections is at the heart of Kareena’s year. Whether through strengthening existing relationships or creating new bonds, she’s focused on fostering a sense of community and sharing meaningful experiences with others.If you’re seeking to push your limits, inspire others, and deepen your relationships, Kareena’s words offer a great blueprint for 2025.
For Lara, 2025 is all about finding balance and embracing the joy of life.
Equilibrium: Lara is focused on finding a sustainable rhythm in her life—creating a balance between work and rest, productivity and leisure. So, this word serves as a reminder to avoid burnout and prioritise what truly matters, while making space for both work and joy.Curiosity: This year, Lara wants to embrace learning in all its forms. It’s not just about traditional education, but also about exploring new experiences and being open to the unexpected. Growth, for her, is about cultivating patience and embracing the journey of discovery.Joyride: Lara’s final word brings us back to the importance of enjoying the ride. Life is about more than just goals and structure; it’s about embracing the adventure, laughing more, and seeking moments that bring joy. This word is a call to infuse more fun and spontaneity into the year.These words are perfect for anyone seeking a year of balance, learning, and enjoyment. If you’re ready to slow down, embrace curiosity, and enjoy life’s journey, Lara’s words may guide you in 2025.
Polly’s three words for 2025 are all about embracing vitality, freedom, and the thrill of adventure.
Vitality: For Polly, vitality represents the habits and experiences that nurture her energy and well-being. This word is about prioritising physical health, mental clarity, and the practices that bring peace and calm to her life.Freedom: Freedom is about mindset. Polly wants to create more time and space for herself to experience life on her terms. It’s about breaking free from limitations and having the flexibility to follow her passions.Adventure: Adventure is not just about travel for Polly; it’s about living with an open heart and a sense of excitement. It’s about embracing new experiences in all areas of life—from relationships to career—and approaching life with a sense of wonder.Polly’s words remind us that vitality, freedom, and adventure are essential ingredients for a fulfilling year. If you’re looking to cultivate more energy, flexibility, and excitement in your life, these words might be just what you need.
Lenka’s intentional words for 2025 are deeply connected to self-trust and embracing the universe’s flow.
Conviction: This year, Lenka is stepping deeper into trust—trust in herself, her abilities, and in the universe. She’s moving beyond belief and embracing the certainty that everything she desires is already possible and waiting for her.Surrender: Letting go of the need to control every detail, Lenka is learning to surrender to the universe’s timing. It’s about trusting her intuition, allowing the flow of life to guide her, and releasing the need to know the how and when.Enough: Lenka’s final word focuses on self-worth and abundance. She’s embracing the belief that she is enough, she has enough, and she knows enough. It’s about shedding feelings of inadequacy and stepping into a mindset of abundance.These words remind us that trusting ourselves and embracing the natural flow of life can lead to an abundant, fulfilling year. If you’re ready to release control and trust that you’re enough, these words may resonate with you.
Sometimes, one word is enough to set the intention for the year ahead.
For Gudrun, 2025 is all about Transformation.
She’s committed to nothing less than a complete overhaul in every aspect of her life—from health and wealth to relationships, hobbies, home life, and travel.
With massive goals for the year, she’s ready to take bold action and make meaningful changes in her life. Transformation is about growth, evolution, and taking decisive steps towards the future we desire.
If you’re ready to take on a year of change and growth, transformation could be the perfect word for you too.
As you read through the words that are guiding our year, we encourage you to reflect on your own intentions for 2025. What are the principles you want to focus on this year? What words will help you stay true to your goals, values, and aspirations?
Choosing your 3 words can help you stay grounded, focused, and motivated throughout the year. Whether your words are about growth, adventure, trust, or balance, they can act as a compass to help you navigate the challenges and joys that lie ahead.
What are your 3 words for 2025? Share them with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear what’s guiding you in the new year!
If you’re curious about the words Richard has chosen for 2025, be sure to check out his latest update on LinkedIn for all the details.
Excited to know more about the people behind the mission? Click here to meet our team and discover what drives us!
You Might Also be Interested inWhy and How to do a Review of the Last 12 MonthsThree Questions to Ask Yourself Before Setting Your New Year’s GoalsHow to Plan for the Year Ahead
The post Embracing 2025: Our Intentional Words for the New Year appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 13, 2025
TubbTalk 173: StreamOne®: Transforming Cloud Management for MSP Success and Growth
Sergio Farache is the EVP of Strategy and Global Technology Business at TD SYNNEX. In this interview, he talks specifically about StreamOne®. A cloud management platform, it integrates with your MSP systems to assist you in expanding your cloud business.
An Interview With Sergio FaracheWatch the Video Interview With Sergio FaracheHow TD SYNNEX Helps MSPsFirst of all, Sergio offers caution on assuming that all MSPs are the same, with the same needs: “So, we quickly learned that we need to offer a solution that can adapt to suit the individual partner. Although the size of the company and the goal is different, what we do is make it faster and easier to reach it.
“So our programme is purpose-built for optimised operational efficiencies to accelerate business growth. That includes white-label services to cover the gaps in the MSP’s own solutions.
And we offer training and support to streamline processes to provide cost effective IT support and infrastructure management to to the clients. Our services are an edge-to-edge portfolio. Why? Because you don’t support MSPs only through software.”
What is StreamOne®StreamOne® is more than just a marketplace; it’s really a platform of engagement. It offers a level of detail to automation for MSPs, partners and then end users. “Our intention was to address a complete digital journey.
“So onboarding, purchase, management, delivery, and, fulfilment. Because traditionally, distribution has been focused on how to bring value to the partner. But we realised that the real value is in how we can enable the MSP to deliver that value to their end user.
“StreamOne® allows the partner to map the whole journey. So every vendor has a different approach, but at the end of the day, your cloud management will be more or less the same. We want you to have a consistent flow that’s easy to understand and deliver, regardless of the tools you use.”
Why Cloud Management Saves the Money You Lose on Manual ProcessesWhile TD SYNNEX don’t have exact numbers, they do know that manual billing and reconciliation is costly. Sergio explains: “With annual billing, you don’t engage with your customers enough. You contact them once a year to renew.
“But with life cycle cloud management, it’s a subscription or consumption based model. So you need an engine that can manage that capability. Because the MSPs who use this type of platform have three times less customer churn.
“That equals a significant advantage from a monetary perspective. And from a cost reduction point of view, how you deliver solutions is a big factor in how viable your business is – or isn’t.”
How Better Cloud Management Offers New Ways to Present SolutionsWe can all agree that in the last couple of years, there has been an increased demand for support with digital transformation. And that’s right across all business types now, not just enterprise organisations.
“So MSPs need to be aware of that shift too. End users now prefer to buy digitally. They don’t want to have to ring up to change how many seats they have in their Office subscription. So you have to offer that if you want to retain their custom.
“We built that in at the beginning. It’s why we created the white label platform directly into the platform. So that’s where you can set up your own store. Add your own branding, create products and services and give the end users those capabilities. Or use our API architecture to do it yourself.”
How MSPs can Make Infrastructure as a Service EasierStreamOne® had two approaches they could take, and they picked the harder but more valuable one. Sergio says: “The majority of marketplaces let MSPs download information from each vendor and present it to the end user as an invoice.
“But while that might be an easy way to do it, it’s not granular enough. So our design gets right down to the level of usage per service. And we are now capable of offering almost real-time data. MSPs can establish budgets and monitor alerts at the same time.
“Plus, StreamOne® has a unique capability of managing and showing usage. We can do things that Google can’t do. We want to give as much data as possible to the MSP, so they can better serve their customers.”
How TD SYNNEX Help MSPs With Security OperationsThe key is not about just monitoring but being able to take action. “We have a solution that’s right for SMBs, because we understand their needs. We don’t have something too complex,” says Sergio. He adds:
“And the other thing we have is a significant security portfolio. We have a Channel Academy, which any MSP can join. It offers a complete certification path that demonstrates you competency once you’ve worked through it.
“It includes a security practice builder so you can look at what security is like within your company and spot vulnerabilities. And of course we help you to resolve that. Our cyber range allows us to test things like cyber hacking in real life, not in a simulator. That gives better results.”
How to Connect With Sergio FaracheTD SYNNEXFollow TD SYNNEX on TwitterLike TD SYNNEX on FacebookFollow TD SYNNEX on LinkedInConnect with Sergio Farache on LinkedInHow to Connect With MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on iTunesSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeStreamOne®Design software tool: Datech (from TD SYNNEX)MSP technology and IT software: ConnectWisePSA tool: AutotaskDigital software: ServiceNowChannel Academy (from TD SYNNEX)You Might Also be Interested inTop Tech and Insights From the Cloud and Cyber Security ExpoPodcast: Cybersecurity, Phishing and Automated Human Risk Management for MSPsWhat is a Cloud Solution Provider? My Definition of a CSPThe post TubbTalk 173: StreamOne®: Transforming Cloud Management for MSP Success and Growth appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 8, 2025
How to Plan for The Year Ahead
So, you’ve put some time in your diary to create your annual plan. But now what? Well, if you’ve done your 2024 review, that will make it easier. If you haven’t, read this post for what you should hand what to include.
Below, you’ll find some prompts to help you identify key goals and objectives for the year ahead. Some are directly related to your business, and others look at extending your network or learning new skills.
Review your successes and not-so-successes (try not to think of them as failures. Everything in business is a learning opportunity. And you are still in business, so that’s a success) and use these to inform what you’ll do in the coming year.
What went well and what would you like to do more of in the future? What did you never quite get round to doing? Did you run out of time or did you lose interest? If it’s the latter, do you want to take it off the list?
What new services would you like to introduce? Cybersecurity continues to be important, but AI (artificial intelligence), zero trust and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) are all increasing in popularity).
Alongside that, does your existing tech stack have the capability to let you bring in these new services? Do you need to add or streamline the solutions you have? Do you have a vendor partner or access to a cloud marketplace to help you review your options?
Perhaps this year you want to expand your team. Which roles need filling or creating? Where will you find candidates? What does your recruitment process look like and can they work from home?
Who did you meet this year who you’d like to get to know better? Are there collaboration or outsourcing opportunities that you could explore with other MSPs? Or would you like to prioritise attending local peer group meetings?
What about attending industry events? Do you need to plan travel and accommodation, or arrange for cover? And don’t forget to make a note of when tickets go on general sale!
Make a note, too, to share in your newsletter or on social media that you’re attending events or networking sessions. It helps with building awareness of your business, and finding out ahead of time who else is going. You can plan meetings around the events if appropriate.
Create a Marketing PlanWhat about marketing? I know it’s not what most MSP owners enjoy, but it is important! If you want to grow your business next year, you’re going to have to market it.
Maybe 2025 will be the year you finally start a newsletter? With the demise of Twitter/X, and the rapid arrival and swift disappearance of social media platforms (Clubhouse, anyone?), it’s more important than ever to have a list of people who want to hear from you.
No matter what happens to the social channels you use, you’ll always be able to share news and updates with your list. And more importantly, they can get in touch with you!
Or, you might decide that in the new year, you’ll start to blog more regularly and consistently. Perhaps you’d like to share behind-the-scenes content, so a YouTube channel could be an option.
If you’re going to be doing more, can you manage it all yourself? Do you need someone in-house to do the content marketing? Alternatively, can you find an external expert who can do it, or at least create a strategy and give you some advice?
What are your personal goals for 2025? If you do your annual plan with your team, you don’t have to share these with them. But as the owner, you need to make sure your business can support you in achieving your objectives.
Think about things like time off/holidays or if you want to change your working hours. Do you have any new skills you’d like to learn, or a hobby you’re finally ready to start? How can you manage your work/life balance to ensure your wellbeing needs are being met?
And think about your employees, too. Their mental health is important for the growth and success of your business. So include their goals in your annual plan, and put measures in place to support them further.
Finally, schedule time now in your diary to review this annual plan. Don’t just write it down and file it, either physically or digitally. This should be a living document that you refer to as a guide throughout 2025.
And as such, it’s fine to tweak it or change it completely. Life happens, so be flexible and adapt to whatever happens in the coming 12 months. We’d love to hear your goals for the new year, so let us know in the comments.
How To Plan For The Year Ahead
So, you’ve put some time in your diary to create your annual plan. But now what? Well, if you’ve done your 2024 review, that will make it easier. If you haven’t, read this post for what you should hand what to include.
Below, you’ll find some prompts to help you identify key goals and objectives for the year ahead. Some are directly related to your business, and others look at extending your network or learning new skills.
Review your successes and not-so-successes (try not to think of them as failures. Everything in business is a learning opportunity. And you are still in business, so that’s a success) and use these to inform what you’ll do in the coming year.
What went well and what would you like to do more of in the future? What did you never quite get round to doing? Did you run out of time or did you lose interest? If it’s the latter, do you want to take it off the list?
What new services would you like to introduce? Cybersecurity continues to be important, but AI (artificial intelligence), zero trust and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) are all increasing in popularity).
Alongside that, does your existing tech stack have the capability to let you bring in these new services? Do you need to add or streamline the solutions you have? Do you have a vendor partner or access to a cloud marketplace to help you review your options?
Perhaps this year you want to expand your team. Which roles need filling or creating? Where will you find candidates? What does your recruitment process look like and can they work from home?
Who did you meet this year who you’d like to get to know better? Are there collaboration or outsourcing opportunities that you could explore with other MSPs? Or would you like to prioritise attending local peer group meetings?
What about attending industry events? Do you need to plan travel and accommodation, or arrange for cover? And don’t forget to make a note of when tickets go on general sale!
Make a note, too, to share in your newsletter or on social media that you’re attending events or networking sessions. It helps with building awareness of your business, and finding out ahead of time who else is going. You can plan meetings around the events if appropriate.
Create a Marketing PlanWhat about marketing? I know it’s not what most MSP owners enjoy, but it is important! If you want to grow your business next year, you’re going to have to market it.
Maybe 2025 will be the year you finally start a newsletter? With the demise of Twitter/X, and the rapid arrival and swift disappearance of social media platforms (Clubhouse, anyone?), it’s more important than ever to have a list of people who want to hear from you.
No matter what happens to the social channels you use, you’ll always be able to share news and updates with your list. And more importantly, they can get in touch with you!
Or, you might decide that in the new year, you’ll start to blog more regularly and consistently. Perhaps you’d like to share behind-the-scenes content, so a YouTube channel could be an option.
If you’re going to be doing more, can you manage it all yourself? Do you need someone in-house to do the content marketing? Alternatively, can you find an external expert who can do it, or at least create a strategy and give you some advice?
What are your personal goals for 2025? If you do your annual plan with your team, you don’t have to share these with them. But as the owner, you need to make sure your business can support you in achieving your objectives.
Think about things like time off/holidays or if you want to change your working hours. Do you have any new skills you’d like to learn, or a hobby you’re finally ready to start? How can you manage your work/life balance to ensure your wellbeing needs are being met?
And think about your employees, too. Their mental health is important for the growth and success of your business. So include their goals in your annual plan, and put measures in place to support them further.
Finally, schedule time now in your diary to review this annual plan. Don’t just write it down and file it, either physically or digitally. This should be a living document that you refer to as a guide throughout 2025.
And as such, it’s fine to tweak it or change it completely. Life happens, so be flexible and adapt to whatever happens in the coming 12 months. We’d love to hear your goals for the new year, so let us know in the comments.
The post How To Plan For The Year Ahead appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 6, 2025
Why and How to do a Review of Your Last 12 Months
A few months ago, we explored the idea of doing quarterly business reviews (QBRs) for your managed service provider (MSP) business.
Regular check-ins with your own business goals and those of your clients ensures that you’re both still on the right track. Or if not, it gives you an opportunity to pause, reflect and course correct.
At this time of the year, you’ll see a lot of people talking about 2025 planning. I’ve just been doing it – for my own business and with my colleagues within TeamTubb. This is an essential task, and we’ll look at planning for the coming year in the next post.
But first, I strongly encourage you to look back at 2024. If you don’t do this exercise, I believe it will make your planning a lot harder. Look back at what went well and what wasn’t as good as you’d hoped. Be honest, and involve your team or department heads to help with the review.
There are all kinds of things you can include, and if you’ve been regularly doing QBRs, I’d suggest using the same things for your annual review too. But here are some ideas of what to look at:
Metrics: The main KPIs (key performance indicators) vary from business to business, but they could be things like:
Client turnover/retentionService level agreements (SLAs) – are you hitting them? Missing them?Return on investment (ROI)Client lifetime value (CLV)Net promoter score (NPS)Audience sizeCompany reputationClients: Ask your engineers or salespeople to help you with the answers to these questions:
How have your client relationships been? Have you lost any/many this year? Have you been able to upsell or cross-sell any services to them? Have their businesses changed significantly?Have their needs changed? For instance, do they need more help with working from home, or with cybersecurity?Client satisfaction – ask them for feedback – are they happy with what you do for them? What could you improve? What could you do more of? Specifically, know your CSAT (customer satisfaction) score
Other Things to Include in Your ReviewProjects – were there any projects you wanted to work on this year? Did you start them? Did you finish them? Did you stick to the plan and the timeframe or was there scope creep?Collaborations – did you find any MSPs or business owners in adjacent fields to partner with?Current services – which are your most popular and most profitable? Are they the same (don’t assume they are!)New services – have you introduced new offerings to your existing clients? Or did you want to but didn’t manage it? Have you had the support you expected from vendor partners to make that happen?Cashflow/sales – are things going the way you expect them to?And Look at:Marketing – how have your marketing efforts gone? Did you start any new approach this year? Can you dig into your Google Analytics or social media data to see how engaged your audience is? What about newsletter subscribers?Issues to be aware ofGaps in your/your team’s knowledgeTool stack/subscriptions – what are you paying for? Do you still need those tools? Is there a better solution?Learnings – did you have any CPD requirements to meet? New skills you wanted to acquire? Did you do them?Personal goals and objectives – as the business owner, your personal goals are inevitably linked to your plans for the company. Take time to review these, too. However, you may prefer to do this separately to the annual review
Don’t forget to have some fun with your yearly review, too! Don’t take it too seriously.
For the last few years, we’ve been doing a TeamTubb Christmas Takeover. Each of us chooses three pieces of content we really like. It might be something we created, or something that a colleague produced.
It’s a nice way to celebrate our accomplishments and also bring to light something we’ve forgotten about but performed really well at the time.
And remember, whether you surpassed your goals or fell short of them, December is a time for celebration!
Do you do an annual review and reflect back on the year you’ve just had? What do you include? Or if you don’t, have we inspired you to start now? Let us know in the comments!
The post Why and How to do a Review of Your Last 12 Months appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
January 2, 2025
Tubbservatory Round-Up #36 – December 2024
Each month, Richard Tubb searches the web to find the best resources, crafting a fresh collection for IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) striving for success.
Welcome to the Tubbservatory – an engaging video series showcasing handpicked articles, podcasts, events, and more, tailored for IT leaders.
Introducing the Tubbservatory Round-Up #36, your ultimate guide for December 2024! Dive into this month’s must-see episodes and insights.
Discover links to these valuable resources at the end of the post.
This month, we’re diving into MSP scaling strategies, must-read books, cutting-edge AI tools, local gatherings, cyberthreats—and even a fun blooper! 😊
Tubbservatory Round-Up #36: December – Week 1#1 Honouring the Best in the MSP IndustryDo you think you’re the best MSP? Well, now’s your chance to prove it with the 2024 MSP Awards by SuperOps.
Each year SuperOps recognise the creme de la creme of global MSPs, and there are 10 categories to choose from. So there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a newbie MSP or a seasoned pro.
As well as gaining industry-wide recognition, there are cash prizes and giveaways.
The process is quick and easy, and you could be the next MSP superhero to grace the SuperOps Hall of Fame! What are you waiting for!
#2 How to Boost IT Client Satisfaction and Tailor Customer ServiceAnd talking of winning, if you’re looking to increase your MSP client satisfaction then Calum Scott of AnswerConnect has an excellent guide.
I especially like the advice Scott provides on helping clients find you.
#3 MSPs Finding New Clients on LinkedInAnd if you’re looking to win more businesses then follow Paul Green’s advice on finding new MSP clients on LinkedIn.
Green outlines three important tips on how to improve things on your LinkedIn profile to get people’s attention and encourage them to engage with you.
#4 Recommended Books for MSPsA book I’d highly recommend is “Helpdesk Habits: Become a Helpdesk Superhero and Make Yourself Indispensable” by Mark Copeman.
I genuinely believe this book should be mandatory reading for all MSPs, so do yourself a favour, and go and grab copies for you and your team.
#5 I Can’t Believe It’s Been 12,784 Days!I loved this video from Phylip Morgan as he celebrates 35 years of tech entrepreneurship.
Morgan, a hugely respected name in the Managed Service space, shares his valuable insights on 12,784 days in business.
Congratulations, Phyl, you legend!
According to Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of breaches involve a human element. A quick click, an opened attachment, or an unlocked laptop—that’s all it takes to open the door to attackers.
Which is why Security Awareness Training is so important for MSPs, and one SAT tool that has caught my eye is Huntress’s approach through Animated Storytelling That Hits Home.
Engaging characters like DeeDee in Huntress’s videos help make SAT enjoyable. But beware, she’s no angel.
To find out more, check out James O’Leary’s excellent article on how SAT can be Enjoyable.
As an MSP looking to grow, it is inevitable that your business will face a range of scaling challenges with the potential to throw you off course.
So this new eBook on MSP Scaling from Uptime should prove useful.
The ebook looks at topics such as Growth Vs Scaling – what’s the difference? How to make the right decisions for investment that contributes to growth, and how to identify common growth barriers.
This free eBook is available for download now.
#3 Bellini Capital Company NineMinds Debuts Free Open Source PSA for MSPsJessica Davis at ChannelE2E reports that NineMinds, a Bellini Capital company focused on AI tools to help MSPs automate some ticketing functions, is rolling out a new and disruptive tool for the MSP market – an open source PSA (professional services automation) platform.
NineMinds CEO Robert Isaacs says that Alga PSA will be available in both on-premise and hosted versions.
#4 The Ultimate WCAG Checklist: Your Complete Guide to Website AccessibilityNow, does your MSP website meet accessibility standards?
Well stop wondering by using The Ultimate Website Accessibility Checklist from Ahmed Khalifa of PurpleBytes.
This checklist will allow you to reach more clients, make your site accessible and improve your SEO and user experience for everyone.
#5 The Tech Tribe Local MeetupsMSPs should check out The Tech Tribe Local Gatherings, monthly peer groups where MSP owners, vendors and other IT community members get together to exchange ideas, best practices and discuss how to succeed in the world of Managed Services.
The brainchild of the illustrious leader of The Tech Tribe, Nigel Moore, these groups are free to attend thanks to the generous sponsorship of Pax8 and time volunteered by the group leads.
Highly recommended!
Richard Tubb is bringing the laughs with a behind-the-scenes blooper reel, showcasing the funniest outtakes, tech mishaps, and tongue-tied moments of the season. Perfect for MSPs, IT pros, and anyone in need of a good chuckle, this special reminds us of the lighter side of content creation.
Whether it’s festive fails or candid comedy, this video has it all. So, grab a cup of cocoa, hit play, and let’s celebrate the holiday season with a smile. Ho, Ho, Ho—Merry Christmas! 🎅
🎥 Watch now on Richard Tubb’s YouTube Channel.
Let us know your favourite blooper in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more IT insights and a sprinkle of festive fun.
We start with huge congratulations to Daisy Pike of Pax8, who has been announced as the Oxygen Influencer of the Year for 2024!
Daisy only joined the IT industry in 2021, and now leads Pax8’s EMEA Solutions Consultants business.
Oxygen Influencers is the brainchild of Doug Woodburn of IT Channel Oxygen, and highlights 25 individuals driving positive change in the industry.
Congratulations to Daisy, and all the Oxygen Influencers for their great work!
#2 MSP M.I.N.D.S.E.T MastermindAnd speaking of high achievers, the coach to many of the rock stars of the MSP industry, Fiona Challis, has announced a unique new MSP MINDSET Mastery programme for 2025.
If you’re ready to scale your MSP in 2025, then Fiona’s masterminds usually sell out quickly — so apply now!
#3 Cyberthreat Predictions for 2025 From Barracuda’s Security FrontlineNow, an article that caught my eye was “Cyberthreat Predictions for 2025” by Tilly Travers of SmarterMSP.
Citing experts from Barracuda MSP’s front line, this article features global, EMEA and Asia Pacific threat advice, which every MSP should be aware of.
#4 IT Pro Tuesday: Get Free Tools & Tips Each WeekIf you enjoy the weekly Tubbservatory videos, then you’ll probably enjoy IT Pro Tuesday from Hornetsecurity!
Every Tuesday, subscribers receive an email with top tips and tools from the cybersecurity community — everything aimed at helping you do your job better and more easily.
#5 Watch: Tiny Robot ‘Kidnaps’ 12 Big Chinese Bots From a Shanghai Showroom, Shocks WorldChilling news from Shanghai as a tiny robot kidnaps 12 big bots from a showroom.
Now, before you scoff, yes, this incident was a test, but one which went in a crazy direction.
The video has to be seen to be believed, and I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.
Links to the Resources Mentioned in this Round-Up
From Week 1Honoring the Best in the MSP IndustryHow to Boost IT Client Satisfaction and Tailor Customer ServiceMSPs Finding New Clients on LinkedInRecommended Books for MSPsI Can’t Believe It’s Been 12,784 Days!Mentioned in Week 2Friendly Reminder: SAT Can Be EnjoyableSolving 8 Common MSP Scaling ChallengesBellini Capital Company NineMinds Debuts Free Open Source PSA for MSPsThe Ultimate WCAG Checklist: Your Complete Guide to Website AccessibilityThe Tech Tribe Local MeetupsWeek 3Christmas Chaos: Richard Tubb’s Hilarious Blooper ReelAnd Week 4Daisy Pike Announced as Oxygen Influencer of the YearMSP M.I.N.D.S.E.T MastermindCyberthreat Predictions for 2025 From Barracuda’s Security FrontlineIT Pro Tuesday: Get Free Tools & Tips Each WeekWatch: Tiny Robot ‘Kidnaps’ 12 Big Chinese Bots From a Shanghai Showroom, Shocks World
As we conclude Tubbservatory Round-Up #36, the final edition of 2024, the festive season is behind us, and a bright new year awaits!
Got something to share? Whether it’s an innovative tool, an insightful article, or a clever tip, drop it in the comments below. Let’s start the year strong—your contributions are invaluable!
The post Tubbservatory Round-Up #36 – December 2024 appeared first on Tubblog: The Hub for MSPs.
