Error Pop-Up - Close Button Could not find Kindle Notes & Highlights for that user.

Richard Tubb's Blog, page 50

October 26, 2020

Why Are You Building an MSP Business, Really? – TubbTalk 80

An Interview with Erik ThorsellWhy are you in business really? TubbTalk 80

Richard talks to Erik Thorsell, owner of Minneapolis-based Managed Service Provider (MSP) Success Computer Consulting. Richard and Erik discuss the highs and lows of running an MSP business.


In this interview, Erik talks about his MSP business challenges and how he tackled them, plus the real reason he’s in business and how to deal with overwhelm.



Who is Erik Thorsell?

Erik started his Managed Service Provider (MSP) business, Success Computer Consulting, 28 years ago, having previously worked for American Express setting up networks for small businesses in the area.


When Erik first set up his company, he worked with large, Fortune 500 organisations, before realising he preferred helping SMEs.


So, he moved from a break/fix to a managed service model and now has 100 employees.


Success Computer Consulting is a fully managed service and managed security provider, and is now managed by a president, with Erik taking a back seat to focus on philanthropic work he does in the Minneapolis area.


Why is Erik in the MSP Business, Really?

Erik says that the answer to that question has changed over the years: “My answer for today is very different from when I started. Because when I started I needed a job; I needed to pay the mortgage.”


He saw his business as a way of carrying out work to get paid by clients.


And now, Erik sees it as “an asset that I own, that achieves goals for me and gives me financial security and the financial fuel to do philanthropic work that I like to do that has nothing to do with my with managed services”.


A healthy corporate culture is also important to Erik, and Success Computer Consulting is a somewhat unique workplace where employees can develop and be appreciated. That is a key driver for Erik.


What is Erik’s Advice for MSP Business Owners on dealing with Overwhelm?

First of all, says Erik, explore all your options. Don’t decide you need to sell the business straight away. So, you then need t0 to have a lot of conversations with people who have already had to make that kind of decision.


For example — imagine yourself going through the same process, find out what they did and get a clear picture of what things could look and feel like. Weigh up different possibilities and choose the one that’s best for you right now.


(You might also find it useful to check out my interview with Karl Palachuk on How to Avoid Overwhelm as an IT Business Owner).


Why do you Need Self-Awareness in Your MSP Business?

Erik says self-awareness takes practice and you have to decide that it’s worth learning how to do it. Examine your feelings around your business, and understand that you don’t have to push them away.



So, pay attention to these emotions, even if they’re negative. Why? Because you’ll be taking them into the workplace even if you don’t realise it.


Furthermore, says Erik, you and your employees are human beings. So, recognise what you’re feeling and be able to think about those feelings without judging yourself.


Understanding why you need to get out of the way as an MSP owner

Erik explains that he filled his MSP business management team with people who had skills that he didn’t, and he began to trust their judgement.


So, to get out of the way of your team and let them work, you need personal discipline.


He adds: wanting to intervene is a short-term desire; longer-term, you will benefit from letting people work in their own way and you can stop micromanaging.


The team will push back if you interfere and that’s a good thing.


Mentioned in This Episode

Heartlands Technology Group
ConnectWise Evolve (formerly HTG Peer Groups)
The Tech Tribe

How to connect with Erik Thorsell

Success Computer Consulting
Connect with Erik Thorsell on LinkedIn
Email Erik Thorsell

Connect with Me

Subscribe to TubbTalk RSS feed
Subscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunes
Subscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher Radio
Subscribe and rate TubbTalk on Spotify
Follow TubbTalk on iHeartRadio
Follow @tubblog on Twitter

You Might Also be Interested in

Mental Health for MSP Owners – TubbTalk #65
Three Ways to Worry Less and Sleep Better as a Business Owner
Brain.fm – Music to improve focus, meditation and sleep

The post Why Are You Building an MSP Business, Really? – TubbTalk 80 appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 26, 2020 00:25

October 22, 2020

Treeapp – Plant a Tree for Free, Every Day

Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife. They also provide us with the materials for tools and shelter. So, how about if you could plant a tree for free, every day?


Every Friday I share one of my favourite finds of the week — a website, tool or an app that has impressed me.


My Friday Favourite this week is Treeapp – Plant a Tree for Free, Every Day.


What is it?

Treeapp is a simple app that allows you to support the sponsored planting of trees across the world by conservation groups.


How much does it cost?

Treeapp is free to use.


You can advertise your business on Treeapp to show your brand’s commitment to sustainability.


Plant a Tree for Free, Every Day

I’ve written before about How to use Carbon Offsetting to reduce your Carbon Footprint.


So, when I found the Treeapp website, I was intrigued by its premise to help mitigate your carbon footprint by planting trees.


Every day, from within Treeapp, you pick a sustainability project you would like to support.


You can then view a message from your tree’s sponsor. The whole process typically takes 60 seconds or less.


Once complete, you tap to plant a tree for the day.



The app allows you to view your global impact, and how the trees you’re planting affect your carbon footprint.


It’s very simple. Treeapp is very elegant and I’ve found it inspiring to learn how their tree planting projects create local jobs opportunities, reduce air, water and soil pollution and bring communities together.


Treeapp - Plant a Tree for free, every day


What’s more, as someone who likes to think of themselves as an ethical consumer, I’ve found the sponsors that Treeapp brings to my attention very useful.


I especially like the feature in Treeapp which allows you to refer back to previous sponsors. This makes it easy for me to buy from the sponsors when the time is right for me.


It’s an app that allows you to plant a tree for free, every day. It’s awesome!



How can I get it?

Visit the Treeapp website and download Treeapp for Android or iOS.


You can also follow Treeapp on LinkedIn, visit the Treeapp Facebook page or follow @TreeAppUK on Twitter.


You Might Also Be Interested In

Equiwatt – Energy-Saving That Pays
How to Prevent Waste and Be An Extreme Recycler
How to Dispose of IT Equipment Ethically

The post Treeapp – Plant a Tree for Free, Every Day appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 22, 2020 23:45

October 20, 2020

MSPs – Watch Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future!

SmileBack Remote Connect 2.0Our friends at SmileBack hosted Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future, a fun-filled, MSP-focused virtual event on 28th October 2020!


You might remember that back in April I spoke at the first Remote Connect event, and it really did re-define what a virtual event can be, so I was delighted to be invited back for the next round!


Remote Connect 2.0 – A Different Type of Virtual Event

You’d be forgiven for getting a bit of Zoom fatigue, as there are a LOT of virtual events happening right now!


What impressed me so much about Remote Connect was that the team at SmileBack didn’t want to run just another virtual event.


They asked “What if we could get people together on Zoom and try to replicate the content pieces of a typical conference, such as breakout rooms, parallel sessions, etc? What if we made it fun, interactive, and focused on the material rather than the sales pitch? What if we had a magician?”


And so Remote Connect was born!


You can check out the round-up of SmileBack Remote Connect 1.0 to see what I mean!


Well, after the amazing feedback for Remote Connect, SmileBack returned with Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future!



Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future

Throughout this short, packed virtual event, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) benefited from several sessions covering:



Customer Experience
Operations and Customer Experience
Leadership and Legacy

The keynote presentation was be delivered by the amazing Roger Edwards, who had fun while sharing with MSPs how to eliminate gobbledygook and jargon from your marketing!



SmileBack Remote Connect 2.0 Speaker LineupAttendees also heard from industry experts such as tech entrepreneur Phylip Morgan, Andrew Wallace of SmileBack and Nathan Fullington of ConnectWise.


I was a part of the event, hosting a panel with Tim Swainson of Kemp Technologies and Jason Kemsley of Uptime Solutions to explore how efficient tech and great CX (Customer Experience) go hand in hand.


After that, I was joined by my great friend Erik Thorsell in the Remote Connect 2.0 fireside finale.


We discussed a really important question: why are you in business, really?


Explore Expert Insights on CX, Leadership and SOPs

Remote Connect 2.0 was just as fun, interactive and content-rich as the first time around. MSP owners, experts and employees all benefiedt from the insights shared and the outlook for the future.


Further, as you might have guessed, Remote Connect 2.0 went back to the future!


We took a detailed look into leadership, customer experience and streamlined operations.


Plus, a Magician! (No, Really!)

But, if getting back to basics and learning from the best industry leaders wasn’t enough, Remote Connect 2.0 went all out.


In addition, SmileBack added a bit of magic in the form of magician and mentalist Gary Ferrar! This guy does stuff that is MIND BLOWING.



How to Access the Replay for Remote Connect 2.0

Just because you couldn’t attend on the day doesn’t mean you have to miss out. The Remote Connect 2.0 round-up is available here, and it’s free!



We would like to thank everyone for taking part in our very special online event yesterday!

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 20, 2020 09:42

Join me at Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future!

Remote Connect 2.0A heads-up that our friends at SmileBack are hosting Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future in a fun-filled, MSP focused virtual event on 28th October 2020!


You might remember that back in April I spoke at the first Remote Connect event, and it really did re-define what a virtual event can be!


Remote Connect 2.0 – A Different Type of Virtual Event

You’d be forgiven for getting a bit of Zoom fatigue, as there are a LOT of virtual events happening right now!


What impressed me so much about Remote Connect was that the team at SmileBack didn’t want to run just another virtual event.


They asked “What if we could get people together on Zoom and try to replicate the content pieces of a typical conference, such as breakout rooms, parallel sessions, etc? What if we made it fun, interactive, and focused on the material rather than the sales pitch? What if we had a magician?”


And so Remote Connect was born!


Well, after the amazing feedback for Remote Connect, SmileBack has returned with Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future!


Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future

Throughout this short, packed virtual event, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can benefit from several sessions covering:



Customer Experience
Operations and Customer Experience
Leadership and Legacy

The keynote presentation will be delivered by the amazing Roger Edwards, who will be having fun while sharing with MSPs how to eliminate gobbledygook and jargon from your marketing!



Remote Connect 2.0: Back to the Future from Richard Tubb on Vimeo.


You’ll also hear from industry experts such as tech entrepreneur Phylip Morgan, Andrew Wallace of SmileBack and Nathan Fullington of ConnectWise.


Remote Connect 2.0


I’ll be a part of the event, hosting a panel with Tim Swainson of Kemp Technologies and Jason Kemsley of Uptime Solutions as we explore how efficient tech and great CX (Customer Experience) go hand in hand.


After that, I’ll be joined by my great friend Erik Thorsell in the Remote Connect 2.0 fireside finale.


We’ll be discussing a really important question, why are you in business, really?



Explore expert insights on CX, leadership and SOPs

Remote Connect 2.0 promises to be just as fun, interactive and content-rich as the first time around. MSP owners, experts and employees will benefit from the insights shared and the outlook for the future.


Further, as you might have guessed, Remote Connect 2.0 is going back to the future!


We will be taking a detailed look into leadership, customer experience and streamlined operations.


Plus, a Magician! (No, really!)

But, if getting back to basics and learning from the best industry leaders isn’t enough, Remote Connect 2.0 has gone all out.


In addition, SmileBack has added a bit of magic in the form of magician and mentalist Gary Ferrar! This guy does stuff that is MIND BLOWING.



How to Register for Remote Connect 2.0

Remote Connect 2.0 takes place on the 28th of October 2020 starting at 3PM BST (11AM EST).


Tickets are priced at just $10, so there’s really no excuse not to get involved!


Click here for more details and buy your ticket.


In conclusion, this event is definitely not a “sit back and watch” one. Remote Connect 2.0 will be as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your questions!


So, will I see you there? Leave a comment below or get in touch and I’ll see if I can give you a shout-out.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 20, 2020 09:42

October 18, 2020

How To Succeed with Excellent MSP Customer Service – TubbTalk 79

TubbTalk 79 - Andrew Wallace of SmileBack talks MSP Customer Service


An Interview with Andrew Wallace

In this episode, Richard talks to Andrew Wallace, Managing Director and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of SmileBack, customer survey and feedback tool.


Andrew tells us how the SmileBack’s offerings for IT businesses have evolved since Andrew came on board.


We also hear how SmileBack’s simple rating system increases customer engagement, and how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can use the data it produces to make positive changes in their business.



Who is Andrew Wallace?

Andrew Wallace is Managing Director and Chief Product Officer of SmileBack, an MSP Customer Service feedback and satisfaction platform for Managed Service Providers and rated the number one integration on the ConnectWise Marketplace.


Beginning his career in Canada, Andrew ran the first meal kit delivery company in the country. That company were bought out by HelloFresh just as they became the number one business in the country, and Andrew found himself in Berlin to transition the team.


While in Berlin, Andrew met the previous MD of SmileBack and did some consulting for them, before being offered the positions of Managing Director and Chief Product Officer.


As well as running the Berlin office, Andrew is responsible for the Ukraine office and setting up a new Canada office. 


What is SmileBack and how do they help with MSP Customer Service?

SmileBack is a CSAT (customer satisfaction score) platform. It uses a simple but effective system to ask customers to rate their experience with an MSP’s Customer Service – clicking a red, yellow or green smiley face to indicate how satisfied they were. There is an option to provide additional comments, but customers don’t have to.


Andrew explains that SmileBack initially focused on the quality, the integrity and the polish of that survey, but since Andrew joined the company, SmileBack has built more features and functionality and delivered more value to their MSP customers.


Incredibly, SmileBack surveys have a 42% open rate – the industry standard is just 1%.



How SmileBack Allows MSPs to Respond to Feedback

In terms of customer feedback, Andrew explains there is a three-step process.


Firstly, the surveys themselves collect feedback from customers.


Next, analysing and reporting on feedback give insights from real-time data.


Finally, MSPs need to leverage the feedback and take action on what they’ve been told.


It’s important that MSPs go back to the customer and ask where they went wrong and how they can improve MSP Customer Service for next time. Don’t be afraid to engage with people who’ve given a negative review, says Andrew.


As customers start to understand feedback, Andrew explains that they realise the actions they need to take for positive and negative feedback, they can build that right into the platform by using the customisation options.


How SmileBack Users Monitor MSP Customer Service Feedback During Lockdown

SmileBack also offers an app, which allows users access to a dashboard for both the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the CSAT surveys with real-time information which can be segmented and filtered to suit individual requirements.


The dashboard also means that managers can keep their finger on the pulse and understand what the trend lines are in the business.


The SmileBack dashboard can help MSPs understand where they need to focus their energy on issues, and where they can celebrate MSP Customer Service success!


Both the desktop and app versions of SmileBack integrate with a range of tools, including Slack (via Zapier) and SmileBack are also building integration with Microsoft Teams, to give real-time feedback for all users.


(You may also find my article on ‘Using Social Networking to Listen to Customer Feedback‘ interesting).


What does NPS stand for in relationship to MSP Customer Service?

NPS is Net Promoter Score. NPS is a very trendy acronym in the business world right now!


What NPS measures your relationship with a customer, business, product or service.


NPS is very powerful when it’s taken with CSAT to measure MSP Customer Service, says Andrew.


CSAT measures the individual transaction: ‘how did this go?’ — whereas NPS is a measurement of the relationship. It is a measure of the question, ‘how likely are you to recommend x’, with a customer giving a score on a scale of zero to 10.


The importance of an NPS score is a sign or an approximation of loyalty. Loyalty is a sign of business health.


NPS is quite smart in the sense that what are called detractors, at the lower end of the score, are businesses or relationships at risk that need attention.


‘Passives’ are those who leave neutral feedback score ‘fine’, and ‘promoter’ customers are growth opportunities who will recommend your business and need to be nurtured.


The MSP Customer Service relationship between CSAT and NPS

CSAT and NPS give a 360º understanding of your MSP Customer Service. It helps you understand the individual transactions, and you understand the relationship. On their own, they’re great tools as well, but they have blind spots. Together, they’re powerful.


Mentioned in this Podcast

ConnectWise
Autotask
Zendesk
Slack
Zapier
Brightgauge
Freshdesk
Captain’s Chair
Remote Connect virtual conference
Miro – Online Whiteboard Collaboration
Book: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance 

Connect with Andrew

SmileBack
Email the SmileBack team: help@smileback.com
Connect with Andrew Wallace on LinkedIn
Email Andrew Wallace

Connect with Me

Subscribe to TubbTalk RSS feed
Subscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunes
Subscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher Radio
Subscribe and rate TubbTalk on SoundCloud
Subscribe and rate TubbTalk on Spotify
Follow TubbTalk on iHeartRadio
Follow @tubblog on Twitter

You might also be interested in

Where MSPs go Wrong with Customer Feedback – TubbTalk 18
How IT Companies can Significantly Improve Their Customer Service -TubbTalk 40
Bringing your clients together through networking


The post How To Succeed with Excellent MSP Customer Service – TubbTalk 79 appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 18, 2020 23:25

October 16, 2020

Library Extension – Find Library Books for Free

Library Extension - Find Library Books for FreeIf you could easily find library books for free, might your Amazon spending drop and your borrowing of books increase?


Every Friday I share one of my favourite finds of the week — a website, tool or an app that has impressed me.


My Friday Favourite this week is Library Extension – Find Library Books for Free.


What is it?

Library Extension is a web browser extension that helps you find library books for free. It instantly checks your local library’s online catalogue and display the availability of that item on the same page.


How much does it cost?

Library Extension is free to use.


If you want to support the development and maintenance of Library Extension, you can make a donation.


Find Library Books for Free

I’m an avid book reader and have written before about Why Successful Business Leaders Read Regularly.


However, as an avid book buyer, suffer with what the Japanese call “Tsundoku,” (the Japanese word for the New Books That Pile Up on Our Shelves).


If I see a book I’m interested in, I invariably buy it — and my credit card takes a hammering.


In an attempt to reduce my Amazon spend and support my local library, I’ve become a big fan of the Library Extension tool.


Library Extension Screenshot Library Extension showing the availability of David Allen’s classic “Getting Things Done” at my local libraries

Library Extension is an extension for the Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge web browsers.


 


As you browse books on sites like Amazon and Gooreads, Library Extension can check your library’s online catalog and display the availability of that item on the same page.


Once installed, you configure Library Extension to know which local libraries you have access to.


You don’t have to manually search across multiple libraries catalogues, as if you have access to multiple libraries, the Library Extension can use all of these to display availability at each library.


Here in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, I have access to the Newcastle Central Library, plus libraries in North Tyneside — and I found all these libraries were supported by Library Extension.


Library Extension also supports digital catalog providers for ebooks, such as:-



Axis360
BorrowBox
Cloud Library
Hoopla
Overdrive
RBDigital

This extension has already saved me hundreds of pounds in borrowing books and ebooks from my local library that I would otherwise have bought (and perhaps, not read) from Amazon.



How can I get it?

Simply visit the Library Extension web-site and install the Library Extension web-browser extension.


You can also follow @LibraryExt on Twitter.


You Might Also Be Interested In

What to do if you lose your Amazon Kindle
Recommended Books for MSPs
Book – The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide: How to save time, avoid stress and build a successful IT Business

The post Library Extension – Find Library Books for Free appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 16, 2020 00:00

October 10, 2020

Mental Health Resources for MSP Business Owners

Mental Health Resources for MSP Business Owners


As I write this, today (10th October 2020) is World Mental Health Day.


As somebody who has dealt with clinical depression since my childhood, I wanted to share with you that if you’re struggling right now, then please know that you are most certainly not alone.


This week I have spoken to a number of friends and colleagues, individuals, male and female, who are IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) business owners, vendors, senior industry figures and highly respected thought leaders, all of who shared with me that they’re finding it difficult to be everywhere and do everything that is asked of them right now.


A Strong Support Network is Key

After 44 years on this planet, I can tell you that I certainly don’t have the mental health thing sussed, but what I have learned with some certainty is this.


Don’t try and do this alone.


Running an MSP business is tough. Being the boss is tough. Being a leader is tough. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.


A strong support network is key, regardless of what stage of your business journey you’re on.


If I can lend a helping hand, then get in touch and let me know. I’d be happy to listen.


In order to do good, you have to feel good!

Most of us got into Information Technology (IT) because we enjoy helping others.


However, as my friends Andrew & Pete of the Atomic business owners community say… in order to do good, you have to feel good!



The three things that I do every day to help me to feel good include:-



Meditation with the Headspace app. If meditation seems a bit “woo woo” to you, then it did to me too — but I now do 15-mins meditation every day and it helps give me the time to organise my thoughts.
Reading a chapter of a book. I’ve written before about Why Successful Business Leaders Read Regularly. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, paperback, hardback or Kindle, I find making the time to read gives me some additional headspace.
Calling a friend. Nearly every day I go for a walk and talk — ringing a friend who I consider an energiser. Somebody I enjoy speaking to, and who lifts me up.

Regarding the walk and talk. I used to feel guilty about interrupting people. After all, everybody is busy!


However, I’ve long since realised that everybody is finding it tough out there — especially in the current climate.


By giving other people a call, you’re not only helping yourself, but you’re helping to give them a lift too.


Again, don’t try and do this alone.



MSP Business Owner Mental Health Resources

Here are some other resources I hope you’ll find useful.


Business Owner-focused Mental Health Podcasts

Mental Health for MSP Owners with Chris Brogan
Journaling for Business Owners with Chris Ducker
The Mental Manager Podcast with Silke Ahrens & Andrew McAllister
How Journaling and Trying New Things Can Improve Your Business and Your Life with Geoff Nicholson

Guides for IT Business Owners

The Man Sprouts Man-ifesto – Let’s Talk About Male Mental Health
The Productivity Giants Series with Sanebox
Survive & Thrive: The MSP & ITSP Owners Guide to Surviving & Thriving in Uncertain Times by Nigel Moore

Mental Health Tools & Apps

Action for Happiness – An Action Coach in Your Pocket
Headspace – Meditation and Mindfulness Made Simple
DARE App – Break Free From Anxiety
Moodbeam – Monitor Your Emotional Wellbeing
Welltory – Manage Your Stress and Energy
Woebot – An AI-based Therapy Chatbot to Help with Depression and Anxiety

You Might Also Be Interested In

3 ways to build better habits immediately
The COVID-19 MSP Resource Page
How To Develop Your Confidence

The post Mental Health Resources for MSP Business Owners appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 10, 2020 03:18

October 9, 2020

Milanote – Visually Organise Creative Projects

Milanote - Visually Organise Creative Projects


If you’ve ever tried to organise a creative project then you’ll know that you need to visually organise things more than a traditional task-list or project planner.


Every Friday I share one of my favourite finds of the week — a website, tool or an app that has impressed me.


My Friday Favourite this week is Milanote – Visually Organise Creative Projects.


What is it?

Milanote is a tool you can use to visually organise creative projects, individually, or as part of a collaborative team.


How much does it cost?

Milanote is free for up to 100 notes, images or links.


A professional plan, including unlimited storage, costs $9.99/month.


Visually Organise Creative Projects

I’m a big fan of the productivity methodology, Getting Things Done (See my article on What is GTD and how it helps with productivity) and the core idea of GTD that the mind is great for generating ideas, but not storing them.


Tools such as Todoist – To Do List App & Task Manager are great for creating task lists, but when it comes to more creative projects — for instance, design projects, writing projects, video projects, or even brainstorming and mind-mapping — then having a more visually focused tool is useful.


Milanote is a great tool to help you organise creative projects.


Using the tool, you can organise your ideas and projects into visual boards.



While Milanote features simple text and task-lists, you can also upload images, PDF documents, Word documents and many other types of file.


You can also use the Milanote web clipper to capture inspiration from the web, snipping ideas from any website as text, images and links.


There is also a Milanote app (for iOS and Android) that allows you to capture ideas and photographs on the move. These notes are automatically synchronised to the cloud for you to use when you get back to your desktop.


For me, the most powerful aspect of Milanote is the ability to drag and drop items in whichever way makes the most sense for you.


You can create private notes, or you can create workspaces to share with colleagues, friends or clients. You can then collaborate and edit on these workspaces in real-time.


All the notes you create can be downloadeded as a printable PDF file.


I didn’t consider myself a “visual person” until I used Milanote. It’s well worth investigating!



How can I get it?

Visit the Milanote website to open a free account and get started immediately.


You can also follow @Milanoteapp on Twitter, visit the Milanote LinkedIn page, or visit the Milanote Facebook page.


You Might Also Be Interested In

Mural.ly – Google Docs for Visual People
The Culture Creation Canvas – Assess Your Company Culture Visually
Productivity, Healthy Habits and Getting Things Done – TubbTalk #50

The post Milanote – Visually Organise Creative Projects appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 09, 2020 00:00

October 8, 2020

Connect IT Europe 2020 – Virtual Conference

Connect IT EuropeConnect IT Europe 2020 kicks off later this month for three days of sessions, stories and sharing designed to build and connect IT Communities.


The collaborative event looks at how, as MSPs and IT Solutions providers, we can thrive during this era of digital disruption.


I’ll be breaking down the business of being an MSP and exploring what sales and marketing tips you can use to grow your business?


These are the topics I’ll be covering during my upcoming presentations with Kaseya from the 20th-22nd October, with the event starting at 7:30AM BST (8:30AM CET).


Connect IT Europe 2020

The driving force behind Connect IT Europe 2020 is to connect the IT Community. You’ll hear from industry experts, exploring solutions to everything from marketing to security.


Connect IT Europe aims to connect people through technology and discover the best ways to stay connected and advance the IT industry together.


I’ll be joined by brilliant speakers from Kaseya, IT Glue, Rapid Fire Tools, Unitrends and ID Agent. You’ll learn the best practices and industry standards as well as hearing the latest product updates.


The event is split into three tracks so there’s something for everyone to enjoy whether it’s technical, business or the main stage events you’re keen to attend.


You’ll leave the event with a better understanding of how to market and grow your MSP. Discover how to make the events of 2020 work to your advantage.



The business of being an MSP

I will be presenting a session at Connect IT Europe titled “The Mistakes MSPs Make” on 22nd October at 11AM BST (12pm CET) where I’ll be sharing the top five mistakes that IT Solution Providers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) make that cost them time and money.


I’m also excited to be sharing the virtual stage with Gary Pica, Founder & President of TruMethod as part of the MSP Business Symposium where we will be breaking down the business of being an MSP. Join us on 21st October at 12PM BST (1PM CET)


You’ll be presented with practical real-world advice that can accelerate your MSP businesses growth and help you avoid the common pitfalls that many IT businesses fall into!


How to Register for Connect IT Europe

Connect IT Europe takes place on from the 20th-22nd October from 7:30AM BST (8:30AM CET) and is free to attend.


Click here to find out more and to register.


Connect IT will be looking to make this conference as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your questions!


Will there be a recording of this event?

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


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


Are you ready to see your MSP thrive?

Connect, collaborate and unite with both tech and non-tech based business across the world during Connect IT Europe’s event.


The 100% virtual event will feature exciting keynotes, virtual networking opportunities and updates from the very best in the industry.


You’ll also have a front row seat to the brilliant awards show for the IT Community, The Techies! The awards cover Managed Service Providers and IT Administration, recognising the brilliant work of IT professionals.


Gain information on the latest products and services, cybersecurity, streamlined processes and sales and marketing, and everything in between.


Are you ready to learn from the experienced speakers which Connect IT Europe have lined up?


You Might Also Be Interested In

An Interview with Fred Voccola of Kaseya
Webinar – Powerful Marketing Strategies to Fuel Your MSP Growth
Webinar – If I were to start an MSP again: The 3 Steps Successful MSPs implement in Operations

The post Connect IT Europe 2020 – Virtual Conference appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 08, 2020 12:04

October 5, 2020

Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2020

Acronis Cyber Summit 2020


This year Acronis are going fully virtual for their Global Cyber Summit. 2020’s event will see speakers from around the world gather to educate attendees on cyber protection, critical data, strategies and systems.


The Summit kicks off on the 19th of October and runs through till the 21st and promises to stand out from the crowd as far as IT Conferences go!


The conference will cover a broad range of topics and I’ll be sharing my from my experiences, the dos and don’ts for MSPs.


What mistakes do IT Solution Providers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) make which cost them both time and money?


This is the question I’ll be answering in my presentation at the Acronis Global Cyber Summit. The Cyber Summit will run from the 19th-21st October, from 6AM BST (2AM EST).


Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2020

During the completely virtual, three-day Cyber Summit, Acronis will be showcasing a jam-packed line-up of brilliant speakers, sessions and workshops.


You can join from anywhere, on any device, free of charge.


You’ll see panel discussions covering a wide range of challenges and innovative solutions for MSPs and IT Solution Providers.


During my session, I’ll share the top five mistakes that IT Solution Providers and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) make that cost them time and money.


You’ll be presented with practical advice and real-world strategies that can accelerate your MSP businesses growth and help you avoid the common pitfalls that many IT businesses fall into!


Stay up to date with the latest cyber research

The three-day event gathers world-class speakers to share their expertise on everything from Cybersecurity to the latest applications and solutions.


By the end of the event, you’ll leave up to date with details on cutting edge research, threats and strategies.


Whatever your focus, there is something for everyone. From sales and marketing to enterprise IT and from sysadmins and devs to IT channel pros.


I’ll be joining industry experts such as Amy Luby, Channel Chief Evangelist at Acronis and founder of Small Biz Thoughts, Karl W. Palachuk.


The event is hugely valuable for all audiences, cyber or otherwise, with over 30 free sessions over four distinct areas;



Sales and Marketing
IT Channel Biz
Developers and ISVs
Enterprise

With this year’s cyber summit being virtual, you have the flexibility to create your own agenda and absorb the insights and advice you’re most interested in.



How to Register for the Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2020

The cyber summit takes place on the 19th-21st October from 6AM BST (2AM EST).


The summit is free to attend.


Click here and register for the summit.


Acronis will be looking to make the summit as interactive as possible, so come prepared with your questions!


Will there be a recording of the summit?

The Cyber Summit will be recorded and made available to view on-demand.


Click here and register to be notified when the recording is available after the conference ends to circle back to whenever you want.


Accelerate your MSP businesses growth

Are you ready to stop making mistakes which cost you time and money?


Throughout the Acronis Global Cyber Summit, you’ll gain valuable insights into the emergence of cyber protection combined with a wealth of educational material including;



Cloud strategies and services
Data protection
Automation and integrations
Sales and marketing

Remember, this webinar is interactive! Leave me a comment below, or get in touch with your questions now.


You might also be interested in

Watch the Acronis Cyber Protection Virtual Conference
The Checklist Manifesto: How MSPs Can Get Things Right
Cyber Security for Small Businesses

The post Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2020 appeared first on Richard Tubb.



 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 05, 2020 22:30