Richard Tubb's Blog, page 44

TubbTalk 88: How MSPs Can Adapt To Emerging CyberSecurity Threats for Better Client Support

An Interview with Andrew Morgan and Rachel Rovegno

In this interview, I talked all things cybersecurity with Andrew Morgan.

Andrew is founder at The Cyber Nation, a community built specifically for MSPs and MSSPs.

And we were joined by Rachel Rovegno, sales business development manager at Cisco.

Andrew is a cybersecurity focused solution strategist. In addition, he’s worked at ConnectWise, Logic Monitor and TruMethods.

And Rachel is responsible for leading the global orchestration and execution at Cisco. Firstly for partner managed services. As well as the security go to market strategy.

The Current Cybersecurity Market for MSPs

Andrew said that in his opinion, there are two types of MSPs (managed service providers). The first treat themselves like client number one. And take cybersecurity within their own business very seriously, for instance.

As a result, they’re then able to communicate its importance to their own customers and prospects.

And they support them to find the right security solution for their needs.

So for these MSPs, they’re seeing a significant increase in profits.

But some MSPs don’t know enough about cybersecurity. And they aren’t able to ask the right questions of their clients.

So, they’re not confident about selling solutions or helping customers to implement them.

How Cisco Helps MSPs to Keep Their Clients Secure

Rachel explained that at Cisco, for instance, “We want to focus on the people. And the processes and the technology that our MSPs are working with.”

So firstly, they’re active in IT communities. And secondly, they’re transparent about investment opportunities.

In addition, Cisco also work to protect and secure MSP clients’ technology. And support them to offer the same protection for their end users. Furthermore, Rachel added that education is key.

And they strive to have global conversations. So everybody knows what Cisco can do. Therefore, cybersecurity is a major part of those conversations.

How Cybersecurity has Changed in Recent Years

Rachel says there have been major changes. Firstly the increase of users connecting to networks and they’re using more devices, increasing the ‘attack surface.’

And in the years since she started in the IT industry, cybersecurity risks have increased hugely and it’s become more complex.

Cisco are aware of the challenges MSPs face in keeping themselves and their clients safe, and work to support them with that.

So, they’re a software-driven company. And have comprehensive systems in place. In addition, they support networking, security and collaboration.

They look at how their solutions are built and operate with a focus on protection.

So how they secure networks is top of mind. In addition, they want to support remote workers.

And they constantly monitor for changes in technology and solutions. 

Not sure what cybersecurity is? This blog might help.

The Cybersecurity Questions MSPs Should Ask Their Vendor Partners

Firstly, Andrew shared advice from John Strand of Black Hills Information Security.

“So, ask vendors what their current application security programme looks like. And how do they manage bugs, vulnerabilities and security?”

Firstly, a vendor with a good security programme should be willing to share it.

So if they say it’s proprietary and they can’t discuss it, MSPs should certainly be wary.

However, they don’t have to go into too much detail. But, they could ask you to sign an NDA to protect themselves.

In addition, ask to see a letter of attestation from their most recent third-party pen test.

And again, they don’t need to share specifics. But on good faith they should be transparent. And disclose any problems.

The Cybersecurity Opportunity for MSPs

So Rachel says that cybersecurity presents a huge opportunity for MSPs. Because it’s a necessity for both businesses and individuals.

So, she says MSPs should look to educate their end users on technology, too. And that way they understand it better.

However, everyone within an organisation needs to have training.

Certainly CEOs need this as much as staff, so they understand vulnerabilities, risks and how cyber criminals exploit weaknesses.

And, user training should sit alongside the cybersecurity protection the MSPs supply because this will make it more effective.

Furthermore, it will help clients protect themselves. Most importantly, it reduces the risk of cyber attacks.

How to Connect with Andrew MorganThe Cyber NationConnect with Andrew on LinkedInEmail AndrewHow to Connect with Rachel RovegnoCiscoConnect with Rachel on LinkedInFollow Cisco on TwitterHow to Connect with MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunesSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher RadioSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeThe CyberCallThe CyberCastThreat Modeling WorkshopBlack Hills Information Security TrainingWes SpencerRyan WeeksPhyllis LeeKelvin TigelaarJohn HammondYou Might Also be Interested inPassword Advice for MSPsHave I Been Pwned?WhoHasAccess?

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TubbTalk 87: How To Accelerate Your MSP Sales for Business Growth

An Interview with Ben Spector

In this episode, I speak to Ben Spector, ex Managed Service Provider owner turned Product Manager for Zomentum. We talk about how it can help MSPs accelerate sales for business growth.

Zomentum is a platform built exclusively for managed service providers. It combines a pipeline management, proposal, quote and build sales automation.

Ben uses his experience of running an MSP to shape the development roadmap of the platform from an MSP SaaS perspective.

 

What Zomentum Offers to MSPs to Accelerate Sales

Ben says there are lots of great marketing tools available to help get prospects into your funnel. But there’s a gap between finding an opportunity and getting a contract signed.

So when a prospect says they’re ready for a quote, even if they’re not sure what it looks like, an MSP (managed service provider) owner can take them through an assessment process on Zomentum.

As a result, they can find out what they currently have and what they need.

And, it also allows MSPs to clearly present the results, and create a quick quote or a longer proposal document.

Zomentum has an e-signature feature so it’s easy to get them onboard. And, it also lets you re-engage with the client on a regular basis and carry out quarterly business reviews (QBRs).

The Typical MSP Sales Process

So, Ben explains that in his view there are two types of MSP: “There are sales-led MSPs that don’t know how to deliver, and there are engineering-led MSPs that haven’t got a clue how to sell.”

Because to be really successful, you need to be able to do both. Sometimes the engineering founder finds that best right-hand person to head up sales, or vice versa.

But, Ben says, although you can’t teach a salesperson engineering skills overnight, you can give engineers the tools that make it impossible not to sell.

MSPs need to see things from the point of view of their clients, and to take a step back. Too often, they’re too busy or think that they’re right. Make time to understand the problem your client has and sell value, not tools.

If you’re not sure how Zomentum can help, it might be useful to know what a general quoting tool does. So you can see the extra benefits of a sales acceleration tool.

The Tools an MSP Business Needs

Ben says that an ideal stack would include a CRM (customer relationship management), a PSA (professional services automation), an accounting platform and a sales acceleration tool. Because it’s important that these integrate together.

First, you need an accounting programme so you can bill clients and get paid, and then a PSA to manage them. Once you’re up and running, you can have a marketing tool such as HubSpot to drive leads, and use a sales acceleration tool alongside it.

Zomentum Integrations

Zomentum integrates with a number of tools that will be familiar to many MSP owners. So for PSA tools, they have integrations with Autotask, ConnectWise, Syncro, Kaseya BMS and Halo is coming in the next few weeks.

And Ben says the tool also integrates with HubSpot and Infusionsoft, as well as accountancy software such as QuickBooks.

For example, Zomentum can helps as it has distributor integration to make quoting easier. And MSPs can accept credit card payments too. Plus, there’s the option to use Zapier.

How to Accelerate MSP Sales with Automation

A sales acceleration tool such as Zomentum makes it easier to follow up on leads and prospects by automating the pipeline.

In addition, you can set up reminders for follow up calls, sending quotes and proposals and email reminders to encourage the client to sign up.

So with Zomentum, an MSP owner can send a quote for a specific item, such as a laptop or other item. And the client can make adjustments or add on extras, such as docking stations and monitors.

In addition, Ben says they have clear proof that the tool can accelerate sales. For instance, they have figures that show an average 600% increase on order value by letting the customer edit the quote.

How to Connect with Ben SpectorZomentumFollow Zomentum on LinkedInFollow Zomentum on TwitterEmail BenConnect with Ben on LinkedInHow to Connect with MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunesSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher RadioSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeMarketing and sales software: HubSpotSales quoting software: QuoteWerksIT business management software: AutotaskBusiness software solutions: ConnectWiseHarmonyPSASyncro RMMKaseya BMSHalo PSA: https://halopsa.com/CRM, sales & marketing: Infusionsoft (now Keap)Marketing automation software: ActiveCampaignAccounting software: QuickBooksYou Might Also be Interested InPodcast: How to do Awesome MSP SalesStop Writing Sales Proposals!Podcast: How Being a Go-Giver can Increase Your Sales

 

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The FCPA and How to Protect Your MSP from Litigation

For this article, I’m handing over to guest blogger Robert Baugh. Robert is the Founder and CEO of Keepabl, a Powerful Compliance-as-a-Service for MSPs. Here, Robert explains the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and its impact on Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Recently, Richard explained to me that MSPs and IT providers often ask him, “What is the FCPA?” and “’when I’m answering RFPs, do I just tick ‘yes’ to FCPA and move on?”.

Well, if you’re wondering the same things, there are some immediate points your questions raise:

Saying ‘yes’ when you know the answer is ‘no’ is not a good strategy. It opens you up to loss of business and legal liability. The good news is it’s pretty straightforward to be able to stand behind your answerDon’t forget the UK has its own Bribery Act, which will apply to you if you’re in the UK – and possibly even if you’re not. Every UK MSP should look at this and have documented their positionCovering off your anti-bribery obligations shows you’ve thought about your compliance issues – and issues relevant for your customers – and can win businessIf you’re still not convinced, directors and officers can have personal liability

We’re clearly talking about laws here, so the standard disclaimer applies to this blog: it was written in December 2020, it’s information only, not legal advice, and you should always consult your legal advisor!

OK, with that caveat said, let’s crack on and demystify this key compliance area.

Bribery

The FCPA is very well-known, probably better-known in the UK than the country’s own Bribery Act.  Both target bribery, although slightly differently. We’ll summarise ‘bribery’ as:

offering or acceptinga payment or some other non-money advantage (even just behaving in a particular way)to get an advantage for yourself or your entity.

Key differences between the laws include that the FCPA applies mainly to bribing foreign officials, although it also covers accounting practices; the UK Act extends to B2B bribes; and their extra-territoriality rules are different.

But you don’t bribe anyone do you? OK, so far, so good!

Now, there are some simple steps you can take not only to manage that risk further but that you should take to comply with the law applicable to you.

The larger you are, the more you’ll need and want to do to ensure that your staff, near and far, comply with your legal, ethical and moral obligations.

These steps can also give you a full defence to certain offences under the UK Bribery Act.

Does the FCPA Apply to You?

Like most laws in a particular country, the US FCPA applies directly to residents and legal entities of the US.

So, US MSPs should look carefully at their FCPA obligations – it’s definitely not a simple tick-box exercise.

However, the US FCPA can also apply to non-US residents and legal entities (such as UK MSPs) if:

Your shares are listed in the US, which is perhaps rare for a UK MSP, orYou cause a corrupt payment to be made in the US, directly or indirectly

A quick look at the SEC’s FCPA page shows recent fines for Barclays Bank. They recruited relatives of foreign officials in the Asia-Pacific to win or retain business.

For example, the Italian energy company, Eni, was also fined for making improper payments in Algeria (and before in Nigeria to win state contracts).

However, it would be rare for the FCPA to apply to the typical UK MSP: a private UK company not listed in the US, only based in the UK, and with no customers or activity outside the UK.

But if, for example, you’ve got US customers, then you should look at the FCPA in more detail and document your approach.

Don’t Forget the UK Bribery Act!

The UK Act’s been around 10 years already, and directly applies to all UK residents and entities such as UK MSPs.

As we said, it also applies to B2B situations, not just bribery involving public officials. And like the FCPA, it has its own extra-territorial application rules – it can also apply to:-

You wherever you are if you carry on a business in the UKYour actions globally if you’ve a ‘close connection’ with the UK (eg, you’re a British national, resident, or entity)You wherever you are if the covered activity takes place in the UKGifts and Hospitality

The topic of gifts and hospitality is a big subject, outside the scope of this blog!

However, as you can imagine, that there’s room for transparent, smaller gifts and hospitality, not intended to influence decisions, and that over-size generosity given with a wink is likely an attempted bribe.

But, do remember that the US is more litigious and you’ll want to review all the FCPA guidance carefully.

Helpfully, the UK Government’s Guidance is very clear that genuine hospitality isn’t prohibited by the UK Act.

What You can do now

You’ll want to:

Document whether the FCPA or UK Bribery Act applies to youCarry out a risk assessmentCreate an Anti-Bribery Policy and a Gifts & Hospitality Policy – there are plenty of examples online to start from, and you’ll want to give examples of what falls into ‘hospitality’ and what falls into ‘bribery’Train your staff and those acting on your behalfKeep it all under periodic review

A nice aspect of the UK Act, as the UK Government Guidance notes, is: ‘There is a full defence if you can show you had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery. But you do not need to put bribery prevention procedures in place if there is no risk of bribery on your behalf.‘

Remember that having a policy that you’ve carefully created, trained your staff on and keep up to date can also be a very good sales tool.

To help, there are official resources online, such as the UK Government Guidance we mentioned above, and the DOJ Guidance and SEC Guidance on the FCPA, and plenty of publications from private firms, such as PwC.

Good luck and take heart – it’s very satisfying to crack a compliance area and this is a straightforward one to do. Now, did we mention modern slavery…

So, what are your thoughts on the FCPA? Have you had any problems around compliance or the GDPR legislation? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Author Bio

Robert is the Founder and CEO of Keepabl, a SaaS company which makes your GDPR life easier.

Keepabl helps clients identify privacy risks and conduct gap analysis, and spot security breaches.

You can connect with Robert Baugh on LinkedIn or follow @RJBaugh on Twitter.

You Might Also be Interested inCompliance as a Service for MSPsBrave – Secure, Fast & Private Web BrowserHave I Been Pwned – Check if Your Email Address is in a Data Breach

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How to Build A Successful Cloud Solution Provider Business – TubbTalk 86

An Interview with Scott Riley

In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Riley, founder of Cloud Nexus, a cloud solution provider. They’re a UK-based consultancy that provides advice and strategy on technology solutions for small and medium sized businesses. Scott has been in the MSP space for over 20 years and brings his commitment to IT companies of all sizes to Cloud Nexus.

What is a Cloud Solution Provider?

Scott set up Cloud Nexus as a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) in September 2019 with the intention of offering a solution that combined the passion for technology and solving customer challenges.

This is delivered by using Office 365 and Azure, hosting everything on those platforms.

Therefore, Scott says that having such a niche focus allows him and the team to deliver exceptional service.

They help their clients to make the most of Office 365 from both a technical and operational perspective. And they help with onboarding, security assessments and making sure people are protected.

Because the business was just starting to grow when the pandemic hit, Cloud Nexus initially focused on helping people make a rapid shift from on-premise to cloud.

This was a priority for businesses whose staff had to work from home. However, they’re now reviewing all their clients’ systems and doubling down on security and device management.

The Cloud Nexus Sales Process

Scott explains that the business doesn’t use salespeople. Early on he invested in both LinkedIn lead generator programmes and Facebook advertising and got no results from either. Scott says these felt inauthentic and people didn’t respond well to that.

He adds that they also don’t do outbound sales because he doesn’t want potential clients to jump through hoops to get an answer: “I’ve been in those large MSPs where there are tiers of people before you get to the person who actually knows what they’re talking about”.

Instead, Cloud Nexus are keen to ensure that anyone who makes an enquiry knows that they’re speaking to the person who can solve their problem.

So they listen, empathise with the other person and then craft a tailored solution. And they explain each stage of the journey.

Not sure what a cloud solution is? This blog might help.

The Biggest Mistakes MSPs Make

Scott identified two mistakes that he often sees MSPs make. The first is by putting profits before customers.

For instance, rather than offering a client a solution from a big vendor, providing their own version instead.

Doing so increases their profit margin but it’s a short-term reward. Because the client will soon realise that they could use the vendor’s version for cheaper. And it ultimately damages the customer relationship.

The other mistake is not keeping up with the pace of change and doing things the way they’ve always been done. Scott has done this with his own Cloud Solution Provider business, and suggests that MSPs should be checking in with clients regularly to make sure they’re delivering the best service.

Why MSPs Should Give Free Advice

Scott says there’s enough opportunity and enough customers for every MSP business. Therefore, there’s no need to be secretive about what you do.

Therefore, at Cloud Nexus, they give advice and guidance as a Cloud Solution Provider whenever they can. They create content about their own best practices and talk through how they use Microsoft Office 365 and Azure.

If you do this, there are three possible outcomes: someone takes the information and implements it; a customer sees that you know more than they do and asks you to implement it for them, Or, the potential client does nothing with the information.

It’s all about showing people that you know what you’re talking about and you’re the expert. It builds up know, like and trust and makes them feel confident about doing business with you. 

When A Cloud Solution is not a Good Fit

For almost all businesses, a cloud solution is a great idea. But Scott admits that there are a couple of instances where it’s better to stick to on-premise storage instead.

For example anyone dealing with large amounts of graphic files, photos or other digital media won’t benefit from a cloud solution.

So that needs to be as close to the processing point as possible. So, Scott says it’s not practical to store these files in the cloud and then try to edit them. And the same applies for CAD drawings.

On the other hand, Scott says that it’s still wise to have a cloud solution as well, to provide backup.

And the other example is anyone working in the defence sector. Sometimes the data held is so sensitive it’s not safe to put in the cloud by a Cloud Solution Provider.

But, there is an option to have your own Azure stack. And this gives a private cluster of servers on an individual local data centre to run the Azure toolkit.

How Cloud Nexus Have used YouTube for Business Success

Scott says that being consistent and creating helpful, valuable content for social media channels has helped Cloud Nexus with their rapid growth as a Cloud Solution Provider. In fact, he can tie a £50,000 contract to a single YouTube video.

None of the videos are salesy – they explain how to do something or use a particular feature in Office or Azure. However, Scott admits the video production process is time-consuming for one person. And that is often a deterrent for small businesses.

He was advised to get an apprentice, and Cloud Nexus now has a digital marketing assistant who is paid through the UK apprenticeship scheme.

So now, Scott records the videos and the apprentice does the rest – editing, scheduling, engaging online.

Scott’s Biggest Influences

Scott is a big fan of the Go Giver philosophy, as outlined by Bob Burg in his book of the same name.

Plus, Scott also highly rates Marcus Sheridan, who used the concepts of content marketing to transform his business.

Within the IT industry, Scott follows Pete Matheson, IT business coach, who is currently working with Cloud Nexus to help them grow their Cloud Solution Provider business.

And Scott’s a big fan soft skills trainer Mark Copeman at Helpdesk Habits. In addition, he’s learned a lot from people creating awesome YouTube videos.

Additionally, on a personal level, Scott has been inspired by Ade Cheatham, CEO of accountancy firm Cooper Parry. Ade has a laidback approach to business and makes a point of speaking to everyone who visits.

How to Connect with Scott RileyCloud NexusEmail ScottFollow Cloud Nexus on LinkedInConnect with Scott Riley on LinkedInVisit the Cloud Nexu YouTube ChannelHow to Connect with MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunesSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher RadioSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeBook: The Go-Giver – A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David-Mann.Podcast: How an MSP can thrive in the security niche with Norb Doeberlein of Netzbahn.Book: Helpdesk Habits by Mark CopemanIT Business Coach: Pete MathesonBook: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E GerberScott’s Personal Inspiration: Ade Cheatham at Cooper Parry Business AdvisorsBook: The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win Video: Pax8 Demo and Prouct TourBook: They Ask, You Answer by Marcus SheridanYou Might Also be Interested InThe Top 5 Questions Asked by MSPs About Cloud ComputingCloud Computing: Good for Clients, Bad for IT Companies?Social Media for MSPs

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How to Effectively Sync Data Between 50+ MSP Tools – TubbTalk 85

An Interview with Jon Littlechild

In this episode, Richard talks to Jon Littlechild, co-founder and Chief Technical Officer at Recursyv about how their data sync tool works, their commitment to security and the opportunity Recursyv presents to Managed Service Providers (MSPs.)

What do Recursyv Provide?

Recursyv offer a fully managed integration service.

What this means is that Recursyv ensure data is visible and usable in all apps, be they cloud or on-premise.

Equally important, Recursyv provide this as a subscription service, and aim to save their customers time, money and the need for additional training.

Recursyv provide a versatile tenant solution which evolves with the software and the needs of their clients.

The team at Recursyv refer to their service as MIPaaS – Managed Integration Platform-as-a-Service.

In Jon’s words, “Integration is hard, so Recursyv manage it for you.”

Why Recursyv Moved into the MSP Space

“The MSP world is full of Service Desk platforms and associated applications; many are islands of data.” says Jon.

Further, Jon added that Recursyv can provide significant value to the industry to enable them to deliver a better service to their customers.

As he and his co-founder have experience in CRM (Customer Relationship Management), they were already working with a lot of MSPs.

Therefore, Recursyv knew the challenges, understood the lingo, and knew what objectives MSPs have in terms of data sync.

A Real Life Example of Data Sync for MSPs

Jon describes a common situation for MSPs running a helpdesk: their end user raises a ticket which is escalated to the MSP. Then, further information needs to be gathered.

Consequently, this is often achieved with back-and-forth emails to capture everything.

However, Jon points out that the customer’s service desk system has already collected all of the information, and using data sync, can then be sent to the external IT support.

As a result, Recursvy brings the two systems together so the data synchronises quickly and easily. 

Deployment of Recursyv for Data Sync

For the most part, Recursvy deploy their solution for their customers.

But, Jon adds that there are some users who have the same systems who create or operate their data sync integration themselves.

Additionally, if you’re not sure what data sync is, this article might help.

How Recursyv Work with Vendors

Jon says that they are keen to build relationships with Managed Services vendors.

As a result, Jon says that the company listens to their customers to see what pain points they have with data sync.

The team at Recursyv then try to work with the client’s vendors to resolve issues.

Recursyv also look at up and coming vendors launching something new or are moving into a new marketplace.

Furthermore, Jon says that vendors are welcome to get in touch to discuss how they can work together to support each other. 

How MSPs can Offer Recursyv Data Sync as a Client Solution

Jon says that a common MSP pain point is the disconnect between their clients and themselves, especially when they make system changes.

As a result, Recursyv offers them an opportunity to deliver a better service and reduce costs and overheads.

If, Jon adds, there’s a lot of communication and information sharing via email or spreadsheets, that takes up time on both sides and could mean that the MSP misses SLAs.

Therefore, to streamline the process and reduce mistakes, Recursyv is a good option to sync data.

The Recursyv Approach to Data Sync Security

As a company, Recursyv takes data sync security very seriously, and to reduce their risk don’t have a web portal.

Jon explains that all data is encrypted as it moves from A to B.

Plus, says Jon, Recursyv don’t store data because they don’t need it!

As a result, the data briefly rests during transit (for seconds) but it’s encrypted at this point too.

And, Jon adds, all data is managed within Microsoft Azure, which has great security protection.

Consequently, the whole transfer occurs within its secure system.

How to Connect with Jon LittlechildRecursyv50 tools Recusryv integrate withEmail JonConnect with Jon on LinkedInHow to Connect with MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunesSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher RadioSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeMarketing and sales software: HubSpotApp syncing tool: PieSyncShared online workspace: AsanaAzure StorageOnline appointment scheduling: CalendlyInvoicing software: FreshBooksCustomer support software: FreshdeskHarmony PSAInfusionsoft (now Keap) CRM, sales & marketingYou Might Also be Interested inHow do I choose a CRM Vendor to Work with?PieSync – Sync Contacts between your favourite Cloud ApplicationsPodcast: How Computing has Changed in the Last Two Decades

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Super Top Tech For Your Pampered Pet Guinea Pigs

When you look at other articles on my blog, you might ask, what on earth have Guinea Pigs got to do with tech?

Well, firstly, I’m not talking the idiom of of Guinea Pig being a subject of experimentation, research of testing.

I’m talking about the walking, squeaking, vegetable consuming furry potato like creatures, the Rodentia known as the Guinea Pig or Cavy.

Here in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the Tubb family live alongside a family of Guinea Pigs.

These are especially pampered Pigs.

These Guinea Pigs live in what we refer to as “The Great Guinea Pig Mansion of the North”.

This Mansion a 6ft Chartwell Double Luxury Guinea Pig Rabbit Hutch | Perfect Outdoor & Indoor Rabbit Hutch for 2 Rabbits Or Guinea Pigs | The Biggest Hutch On Amazon  coupled with a Chartwell 6ft Rabbit Run 

And the Mansion full of technology…

Technology for Keeping Guinea Pigs Warm The Great Guinea Pig Mansion of the North — complete with guard cat

Our Guinea Pigs need to be kept warm, so the first thing we invested in was insulation for the Hutch.

We went to Home & Roost for their 6ft Chartwell Double Hutch Hugger Wind and Rain which keeps our pampered Pigs lovely and warm in the Winter, and cool in the Summer.

Then, we outfitted the Hutch with two Elixir Gardens Tube Heater TH02 70cm Bathroom Mould Protection .

One heater is located upstairs, and the other is located downstairs.

Govee Temperature and Humidity Monitor

For protection, both of the heaters are covered by  Elixir Gardens ® Tubular Heater Electric Tube Guard 1ft 2ft 3ft 4ft (2ft) .

These heaters are very low-cost to run (think fractions of pennies per hour) and have individual temperature controls.

We monitor the hutch temperature by using the Govee Temperature Humidity Monitor, WIFI Temperature Humidity Sensor with Alerts, Digital Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer with APP Temperature Humidity Gauge for HOME, HOUSE, GARAGE and WINE CELLAR .

The Govee unit uses both Bluetooth and WiFi to keep us notified of the temperature within the Hutch.

If the temperature of the Hutch goes above 25c, or drops below 5c, we’re immediately notified via the App (iOS and Android).

We also frequently use the Govee unit via our Amazon Echo Dot, where Alexa answers our question of “What temperature is it in the Guinea Pig Hutch”.

Guinea Pigs prefer a room temperature of 17c-20c, but during most of the Spring and Summer, we don’t need the heaters at all and turn them off.

Monitoring Guinea Pigs Sen and Rattigan on IP Camera

While we frequently sit in the garden and play with our furry little friends, there are times when we want to check on them remotely.

Therefore, we’ve installed three IP-based cameras so we can check in on the furry sausages at any point!

Downstairs in the hutch, we have a Storage Options IPCam F-Series.

This camera features pan and tilt so we can check in on the Pigs whether they are inside or out in the run.

Upstairs in the hutch, we use a Vstarcam IP Camera, 720P HD WiFi Security Camera Surveillance Security System Video Recording Sonic Recognition P2P Pan Tilt Remote Motion Detect Alert With Two-Way Audio Support 128GB Micro SD,Black .

Then, in the Pigs bedroom, we use a EZVIZ Security Camera Outdoor WiFi CCTV, 30m Night Vision, Light & Siren Alarm with Motion Detection, Waterproof, Two Way Audio, Remote Viewing,Works with Alexa and Google Assistant(CTQ3W)  which features good night vision.

Each of the cameras are linked to a Blue Iris Video Camera System, which, along with our other security cameras, runs on our household HP MicroServer G8.

Blue Iris is an excellent system, and with apps for iOS and Android, we can check in on the Piggles at any time (which can be quite addictive viewing!).

All three of these cameras are fairly generic, cheap IP-based cameras which could easily be replaced with anything of your own choice.

How To Remotely Reboot IP Cameras

In fact, the cheap IP cameras I’ve used semi-frequently fail and need rebooting.

To stop us running back and forth to the garden power supply, I fitted a BG Electrical 822/HC-01 Smart Power Socket, Alexa Compatible Double 13 Amp, White Moulded 

As a result, this smart power socket can quickly be power cycled through a “Alexa, Turn Off The Guinea Pig Hutch” and “Alexa, Turn On The Guinea Pig Hutch”.

However, to prevent the cameras from being off when we go to view them, we monitor them continuously.

Using Domotz To Monitor Devices An example of the Domotz Dashboard monitoring IP Cameras

As you are already beginning to see, Tubb Towers is full of Internet of Things (IoT) based technology.

And, that technology needs monitoring.

So, we use Domotz to monitor all our devices, including the tech inside the Guinea Pig Hutch.

(Full disclosure:- I work as an advisor to Domotz. But, I do so because I think their technology is amazing!).

Domotz provides Network Monitoring Software that is low-cost and can help you to monitor hundreds and thousands of devices across multiple sites.

The Domotz platform is ideal for IT companies and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) but given its low-cost, is a good fit for any home too.

In regards to our Guinea Pig tech, whenever a device fails, Domotz pings us immediately to let us know.

My next project is to build a customised NOC dashboard using Node-Red and explore how to use Domotz’s API to automatically trigger remote power cycles of failed equipment.

But for now, I’m alerted by Domotz to any failed devices, and I can then ask Alexa to reboot them for me.

Our Guinea Pig Family Hector the Guinea Pig

If you’ve read this far, then you’re either a massive techy nerd (like me) or you want to see more of our cute Guinea Pigs, right?

Well, our family of Pigs started with Hector, the ageing Boar Guinea Pig who made the trip from Birmingham with me when I moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

At six years of age (Guinea Pigs typically live between four and six years), Hector was still a particularly vocal and curious Pig.

Guinea Pigs are naturally sociable creatures, though, and so we decided we’d find Hector another young male Pig to mentor.

So, we bought Gil the Guinea Pig, who was sold to us as a young boar.

Hector and Gil got along famously (why this was, will become apparant shortly)

As a result, within a few weeks, my wife said that Gil was getting fat.

Gill and her babies

(You can probably guess the next bit, right?)

It turns out that Gil wasn’t a young boar, but, instead a young female.

Hector, the randy old Pig, had gone and sired himself a family!

Gil was hastily renamed Gill.

Me and Hector preparing for the photo shoot. Photos courtesy of Laura Pearman Creative.

As we got closer to the time, Gil moved into her own indoor hutch to give birth.

Naturally, we (along with friends and family) followed the birthing saga via way of IP Camera!

And so were born Persephone, Gandalf and Sen – three baby female Pigs – and Rattigan, a rambuncious boar.

Hector – Celebrity Guinea Pig Me and Hector at the desk. Photo courtesy of Laura Pearman Creative.

To prevent any further surprises, we had the females neutered.

The whole family of Pigs was then reunited where proud Hector ruled the roost.

Hector was even featured in his own photo shoot about home office workers and their Pets — a celebrity Pig!

Sadly, Hector passed away later that year.

However, I’d like to think Hector passed away with a smile on his face.

We also recently lost Gandalf, and Persephone at 4.5 years of age.

Still, Gill, Rattigan and Sen continue to thrive in their great Guinea Pig Mansion of the North!

https://www.tubblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Guinea-Pigs-Eating.mp4

At this point, if you’re thinking “Richard is quite mad and rambling about Guinea Pigs” you’d be right.

But, let me tell you that I’m not the only person interested in Guinea Pig technology!

How To Use Technology To Look After Your Guinea Pigs, Ducks or Chickens

A while ago, I interviewed JB Fowler, the Chief Product Office of Domotz.

Some way into the interview, I put JB on the spot.

I asked JB which strange devices he’d seen being monitored by Domotz,

Then, I shared with JB how I’d been using Domotz to monitor our Guinea Pigs.

(You can enjoy watching JB’s reaction in this video!)

Recently, I was invited to be a guest on Domotz’s MSP Blastoff Series to talk The Upselling Process: Secret Tips for Success.

During the session, JB jokingly asked how the Guinea Pig setup was progressing.

After I’d shared the technology from the great Guinea Pig Mansion of the North, we experienced a surprise!

To our surprise, JB, Craig and I had a lot of questions about how the same technology could be used for monitoring pets.

People wanted to know how they could use Domotz to monitor their Rabbits, Ducks and Chickens!

You can watch my response below.

Guinea Pigs and Technology Fans Unite!

And if you have not yet been disarmed of the idea that I alone pamper my Pigs with technology, I was recently chatting to one of the UK’s top technology journalists, Caroline Donnelly.

Caroline shared with me that she’s got a similar (if not more impressive!) tech setup for her Guinea Pigs!

My Dad is an ex-builder and has completely over-specced the whole setup, complete with CCTV, access alarms and a remote controlled temperature gauge. It’s the business!

— Caroline Donnelly (@CarrotyD) June 17, 2021

So, if all this Guinea Pig Technology is enough for the Senior Editor of Computer Weekly, then I don’t want to hear any other arguments against it.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse into the Top Tech I use to look after our pampered Guinea Pigs.

If you’ve read with some degree of bemusement, then I don’t blame you!

But if you’ve read along with interest, and would like to chat more about the Internet of Things (IoT), technology for pets, or even Guinea Pigs, feel free to get in touch!

You can leave a comment below or contact me directly.

I hope you and your pets are keeping well!

You Might Also Be Interested InWant Powerful Next-Gen Network Monitoring for Your MSP?Tile – A Bluetooth tracker to help you find anything (even Pets!)IFTTT – Automation and Virtual Duct Tape

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The Upselling Process – Secret Tips for Success

Does your IT business have an Upselling Process, enabling you to upsell more to your new and existing Managed Service Provider (MSP) clients?

Are you looking for ways to communicate better, so that small business owners understand what it is you do and how it helps them?

Then you will not want to miss the Clandestine Interview I’m doing with Domotz, which takes place on 17th June at 4pm BST (11am EDT/5pm EST)!

The Upselling Process – Secret Tips for Success

During the session, I’ll be joining Domotz Chief Product Officer (CPO) JB Fowler and my good friend, Craig Sharp of UK-based MSP, Abussi, to discuss the secret sauce to selling more to both existing and new clients.

Growth comes more effectively when you have an Upselling Process.

This session will be a fun, easy-listening chat, but it will be packed full of advice.

We plan to share our personal experiences with:-

Tips on upsellingSpeaking your clients languageDeveloping an upselling processThe idea of ‘If you can report on it, you can charge for it’Demonstrating proactivity and how seriously you take cybersecurityHow to Register for the Session

Our session takes place on 17 June at 4pm BST (5pm EST).

Click here and register for the session.

As always, we make these sessions as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your toughest questions on the upselling process!

Will There be a Recording of the Session?

Can’t join us live? Well, this session will be recorded and made available to view on-demand to registrants.

Make sure to Click here and register to be notified when The Upselling Process recording is available.

The MSP Blast Off!

I hope to see you on TheUpselling Process session.

Remember, this session will be interactive! Leave me a comment below, or get in touch with your toughest questions now

You Might Also be Interested inWebinar: MSP Blastoff – The Prospecting ProcessA List of Powerful RMM Tools for MSPsFind out more about Domotz

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Webinar: Sales Crash Course Sessions with RapidFire Tools

Looking to grow and in need of some pointers? Then you need a sales crash course!

The art of selling is constantly evolving and in order to stay ahead of the curve, you’ll need a helping hand. I’m delighted to have been invited by RapidFire Tools (part of the Kaseya family) to share my top tips and strategy to utilising the right tools. You CAN master the sales process!

The two-part sales crash course is packed with insight and knowledge to give your MSP sales a mega boost. Part one takes place Tuesday 1 June at 12pm EST (5pm BST) and part two is happening on Tuesday 22 June at 8am EST (1pm BST).

Sales Crash Course Part One: The Basics

In this first session, we’ll be covering the basics of sales, and I’ll share with you my advice from my years in the IT sector. We’ll cover:

How to embed a sales culture in your MSP – where to startHow to master the creation and tracking of MSP sales targetsThe best sales strategies for MSPsSales Crash Course Part Two: The Action

In part two, I want to get you ready to take action on what you’ve learned! We’ll be looking at:

How the right tools can give your sales some serious momentumHow to work out whether the investment is ‘worth it’Why it is critical to define your value at every opportunity, and tips for how to do thisHow to Register for the Sessions

Our first webinar takes place on Tuesday 1 June at 12pm EST (5pm BST). Click here to register for the session.

The second webinar takes place on Tuesday 22 June at 8am EST (1pm BST). Click here to register for the session.

Will There be a Recording of the Sessions?

These presentations will be recorded and made available to view on-demand.

Click here and here to register to be notified when the recordings are available.

Grow Your MSP with a Sales Crash Course!

Ready to take your MSP to the next level but nervous about sales? Then sign up for my sales crash course and let me help you!

Find out my top tipsLearn why you need a strategyNail the basicsDevelop a bespoke strategy that works for YOUR businessMake sales a part of your MSP’s culture

Remember, this session will be interactive! Leave me a comment below, or get in touch with your toughest questions now

You Might Also be Interested inPodcast: How to do Awesome MSP SalesWebinar: Using Network Assessments as a Sales ToolPodcast: How Being a Go-Giver can Increase Sales

 

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Webinar: MSP Lift-Off – Sales and Marketing Launch Pad

As we approach the second half of 2021 (already!), now is a good time to review and refresh your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business sales and marketing approach.

I’ll be giving my advice on what you can do to end the year on a high in the 3rd MSP Lift-Off session with IT Glue on Tuesday 8 June at 1pm BST (8am EST).

The session will be your sales and marketing launch pad!

Sales and Marketing Launch Pad

During this session, I’ll give you some extra support for your MSP business, including covering:-

The key areas you can focus on for sales and marketing ‘quick wins’How to invest the right amount in your MSP sales and marketingThe best routes to bringing the entire team into driving revenue growth

I want you to go away from this session feeling confident about the next six months – and beyond!

How to Register

The 3rd MSP Lift-Off: Sales and Marketing Launch Pad takes place on Tuesday 8 June at 1pm time BST (8am EST).

Click here and register for the session.

As always, we make these presentations as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your toughest questions!

Will There be a Recording of This Session?

This presentation will be recorded and made available to view on-demand.

Click here and register to be notified when the recording is available.

Refine Your Sales and Marketing!

I hope you’ll join us for this refresher session, which will help you identify how you can make a difference to your MSPs growth trajectory and finish up 2021 in a better place than you anticipated.

Remember, this session will be interactive! Leave me a comment below, or get in touch with your toughest questions now

You Might Also be Interested inWebinar: MSP Liftoff One: What Does the Rest of 2021 Look Like?Webinar: MSP Liftoff Two: Rocket Fuel for Your TeamPodcast: Why MSPs Need to Embrace Marketing

The post Webinar: MSP Lift-Off – Sales and Marketing Launch Pad appeared first on Richard Tubb.

Webinar: MSP Lift-Off #3: Sales and Marketing Launch Pad

As we approach the second half of 2021 (already!), now is a good time to review and refresh your MSP’s sales and marketing approach.

Whether you’ve had a great year in business so far or want to make a final push, this session is for you.

I’ll be giving my advice on what you can do to end the year on a high in my session with IT Glue on Tuesday 8 June at 1pm BST (8am EST).

Sales and Marketing Launch Pad

Don’t miss this webinar! I’ll give you some extra support for your MSP (managed service provider) business. I’ll be covering:

The key areas you can focus on for sales and marketing ‘quick wins’How to invest the right amount in your sales and marketingThe best routes to bringing the entire team into driving revenue growth

And I want you to go away feeling confident about the next six months – and beyond!

How to Register for the Session

Our webinar takes place on Tuesday 8 June at 1pm time BST (8am EST). Click here and register for the session.

As always, we make these presentations as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your toughest questions!

Will There be a Recording of This Session?

This presentation will be recorded and made available to view on-demand. Click here and register to be notified when the recording is available.

Refine Your Sales and Marketing to end 2021 Well

The refresher session will help you identify how you can make a difference to your MSPs growth trajectory and finish up 2021 in a better place than you anticipated.

Remember, this session will be interactive! Leave me a comment below, or get in touch with your toughest questions now

You Might Also be Interested inWebinar: MSP Liftoff One: What Does the Rest of 2021 Look Like?Webinar: MSP Liftoff Two: Rocket Fuel for Your TeamPodcast: Why MSPs Need to Embrace Marketing

 

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