Tubbservatory Round-Up #35 – November 2024

Gudrun Lauret

Tubbservatory Round-Up #35 – November 2024 image

Tubbservatory Round-Up – Tools and Resources for Your MSP

Every month, Richard Tubb scours the web to uncover top resources, creating a new collection for IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs) eager to excel.

Welcome to the Tubbservatory – a dynamic video series featuring curated articles, podcasts, events, and more, all crafted for IT professionals.

Presenting the Tubbservatory Round-Up #35, your go-to guide for November 2024! This month’s must-watch episodes are ready for you to enjoy.

Explore links to these essential resources at the end of the post.

This month, we’re uncovering the latest in gadgets, must-read books, smarter business networking and telephone answering services for MSPs. Plus cutting-edge cybersecurity, mental health support, NOC and Helpdesk insights, and strategies to tackle holiday threats and outsource cyber-criminals.

Tubbservatory: The November 2024 Round-Up Video

Tubbservatory Round-Up #35: November – Week 1

#1 365 Total Protection

If you’re an MSP looking to future-proof your business operations with AI-powered M365 security, data protection and compliance, then here’s a solution for you.

Hornetsecurity have announced their Multi-Tenant M365 Manager for MSPs, and it’s nothing short of impressive.

If you find manually onboarding all the different settings and policies across your Microsoft tenants daunting and time-consuming, then 365 Multi-Tenant Manager can automate the task.

#2 Achieve Your Business Ambitions. Learn How to Buy or Sell an MSP

If you’re looking to buy another MSP, or sell your own, then here’s an extremely useful resource.

MSP experts Mark Copeman and Ken Roulston have put together the MSP M&A Pathway to Success programme — 8 hours+ of training containing a blueprint on Managed Services Mergers & Acquisitions.

The principles in these videos apply to all geographies, so this is well worth checking out.

#3 GloCalMe SIM Card Plug-in & Use Immediately

Here’s a gadget I’ve found really useful when travelling.

The Numen Air is the world’s first Global 5G Mobile WiFi.

This little device allows you to travel the world, and quickly connect to a 5G signal in the local area, ensuring you stay online wherever you go.

#4 ScaleCon24 – DAY 3 Recap

If you missed the ScaleCon24 event in Las Vegas, then here’s a wonderful video recap.

The Tech Tribe and MSP Camp put together an amazing event, and the great news is, pre-sale tickets for ScaleCon 2025 have already been announced!

#5 The Event for the Italian MSP Community

MSPs in Italy, check out the MSPx retreat taking place on Nov 14-15th at the SAN VIGILIO GOLF resort in Lake Garda.

MSPX is a 2-day experiential event designed by MSPs for MSPs.

Hosted by Vera Tucci of T-Consulting, this event promises to be an MSP retreat to remember!

Tubbservatory Round-Up #35: November – Week 2

#1 Books by Richard Tubb

You know that business networking is a great way to meet potential new clients, but the thought of walking into a room full of strangers is… yucky.

Well, I’m pleased to announce the launch of my latest book which may help – Business Networking for Geeks!

The book is written for my fellow IT business owners and gives you a system you can use to overcome the resistance to networking, and get out there to allow people to get know, like and trust you.

Business Networking for Geeks is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format.

#2 How Answering Services Can Boost Lead Generation for IT/MSPs

One issue stopping MSPs getting out to promote themselves is a ringing telephone.

So an article I’d recommend is “How Answering Services can Boost Lead Generation for MSPs” by Ben Graham of AnswerConnect.

Answering services such as AnswerConnect are popular for MSPs as they are a powerful tool for customer service, lead generation, and productivity.

#3 Cyber Security with Sasha Roshan

A YouTube channel that caught my eye is Sasha Roshan’s videos on cybersecurity.

Roshan, who is a Security Sales Engineer at Huntress, lays out videos explaining MDR, EDR, DDOS and many of the other acronyms that MSPs will hear in Cybersecurity.

Make sure to subscribe to this channel now!

Business Networking for Geeks is here! A must-read for IT pros looking to network confidently. Available on @amazon in paperback & @AmazonKindle! Click to Tweet

#4 Meet Huntress: Demo and AMA

And talking of Huntress, if you’re not familiar with how Huntress’s cybersecurity services can help your MSP fight back against hackers, here’s a good introduction.

Meet Huntress is a Demo and Ask Me Anything which explores how Huntress’s 24/7 human-led SOC detects, investigates, and remediates threats on your behalf, and dives into the dashboard, incident reports, and active remediation that MSPs can expect.

#5 Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental health and wellbeing are hot topics for any MSP, which is why I want to draw your attention to the great work being done by Paul Croker of 18IT in the UK.

Croker is planning regular regional meetups of UK MSPs to make new friends in the industry, support each other, and raise awareness of mental health challenges.

Interested in joining? Check out Paul’s LinkedIn post and register your interest.

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Tubbservatory Round-Up #35: November – Week 3

#1 MSP Lift Off

Great news for new MSPs, as SuperOps have announced the launch of their MSP Startup Program!

In addition to a generous 40% discount on the already competitive Next-Gen PSA/RMM SuperOps platform, program members can benefit from expert-led mentorship sessions with industry luminaries such as Nate Freedman, Paul Green, Erick Simpson, Juan Fernandez, and others.

This is an excellent opportunity for any nimble MSP to get the flying start they need.

#2 Unlock Cost-Effective IT Solutions with Uptime’s Staff Augmentation Service

Now, a challenge that every MSP faces is finding the right people.

So, if you’re an MSP looking to scale your operations without the hassle of hiring in-house staff, then I’d highly recommend this eBook.

“A Guide to Staff Augmentation Solutions for MSPs” is a free download from Uptime.

Whether you’re looking to flexibly add engineers based on your needs, from NOC support to entire helpdesk teams, or quickly fill gaps in your team without long recruitment cycles, this eBook is a useful guide for you.

#3 November Surprise: Private Equity Nabs CompTIA

In a move that took the industry by surprise, Private Equity companies HIG and Thoma Bravo announced they’ve acquired IT training and certification vendor CompTIA.

CompTIA’s MSP and IT communities will remain separate non-profits.

For full details of this emerging story, check out the official press release from CompTIA.

#4 Make Your MSP More Money: All the Best Tips

Congratulations to Paul Green and his team as their MSP Marketing Edge podcast celebrates its 5th birthday!

To mark the occasion, the show has produced a special “Make Your MSP More Money” episode featuring quick fire tips from a range of MSP experts, including yours truly.

#5 The MSP Business Growth Blueprint Workshop

UK MSPs, mark Tuesday 3rd December 2024 in your calendar for the MSP Business Growth Blueprint Workshop.

Hosted by industry experts Ian Luckett and Stuart Warwick, this exclusive one Day workshop will help build your 2025 growth plan and become more confident about scaling your MSP.

Registration is now open with strictly limited places.

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Tubbservatory Round-Up #35: November – Week 4

#1 How a Trust Programme Helps You Build Lasting Business With Your Clients

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and is especially important for Managed Service Providers, who hold the keys to their clients’ kingdoms.

So I was intrigued to read this excellent article on “How a Trust Programme Helps you Build Lasting Business With Your Clients”, by Robb Reck, Chief Trust and Security Officer at Pax8.

Client expectations for trust around security, privacy, and compliance are higher than ever before, says Reck, and his guide sets out a trust program as a set of principles specifically built to earn trust from clients that your MSP operates ethically and will treat their information with due respect.

This is definitely an article to check out.

#2 The No-Bullshit ZTNA Vendor Directory

And speaking of trust, Zero-Trust Network Access has become a welcome solution for MSPs, but which provider should you use?

Well, the no-bullshit Zero-Trust Network Access vendor directory is a curated, impartial and open-source directory of ZTNA vendors and architectures.

Thanks to the team at Enclave.io and other contributors for curating and maintaining this ZTNA vendor directory.

#3 Welcome to Police CyberAlarm

Another useful resource that caught my eye is the Police CyberAlarm.

This is a free tool for UK businesses, provided by local police forces and funded by the Home Office, to help you and your clients monitor and report the suspicious cyber activity you face.

I’d recommend sharing this resource with all of your MSP clients.

Thanks to MSP expert Ian Luckett for this recommendation.

#4 /e/OS Is a Complete, Fully “deGoogled” Mobile Ecosystem

If you’ve ever become frustrated with smartphone manufacturers withdrawing security updates for your phone, and wondered if there is a greener way to maintain your hardware, then this might be it.

/e/OS is a completely de-Googled, open-source mobile operating system with a focus on privacy and longevity, which is compatible with all Android apps.

If you or your clients have an aging smartphone that is still functional, eOS may be the solution.

#5 Unlocking AI for MSPs: Attract, Engage, and Scale Your Customer Base

If you’re curious about how AI can revolutionise your MSP’s marketing efforts but unsure where to begin, then this webinar is for you.

Unlocking AI for MSPs: Attract, Engage, and Scale Your Customer Base takes place on November 26, 2024 11 AM EST (that’s 4pm GMT), and is hosted by MSP digital marketing experts Logan Ochitwa and Andrew Down for Barracuda MSP.

Registration is now open.

Tubbservatory Round-Up #35: November – Week 5

#1 Holiday Hack Classics: Exploring Hackers’ Favourite Holiday Season Tradecraft

The holidays are meant to be a time of cheer and celebration, but that can quickly change if cybercriminals crash the party. People are travelling more, setting up new accounts, and doing more online shopping—the perfect time to strike unsuspecting victims.

So a video that caught my eye is Holiday Hack Classics: Exploring Hackers’ Favourite Holiday Season Tradecraft.

In the video, Tony Black of Huntress and Truman Kain explain the most common holiday threats and the tactics behind them, and how your MSP can stay secure with security awareness training.

#2 Your Secret Agent for Continuous M365 Security

Here’s a new solution for MSPs using Microsoft 365 with their clients.

Inside Agent continuously monitors and evaluates your multi-tenant M365 systems, pinpointing compliance gaps and highlighting areas that require attention.

Founded by experienced MSP guru Scott Riley, Inside Agent promises to fortify your defences and safeguard your clients with cutting-edge technology and proactive oversight.

#3 Finally Get LinkedIn Ads Working the Way You Want Them to

Now, LinkedIn Advertising can be a powerful source of potential new clients, but if done wrong, it can be an incredibly expensive waste of money.

So a tool that caught my eye is Linklo, a UK-startup company that provides an ad management platform for LinkedIn.

If you’re using or thinking of using LinkedIn Ads, Linklo may help you get real results.

#4 Unlock the Full Potential of AI Comparison

AI is a powerful new tool for MSPs, but with so many different AI options, where do you begin?

Well ThisorThis.ai is a website that allows you to save time and effort with side-by-side AI comparisons.

Thanks to AI expert Pascal Fintoni for the recommendation.

#5 Helping You Take Your MSP to the Next Level

2025 is going to be the year you hit the jackpot, right?

Well, Tech Tribe members should mark 4th December 2024 in their calendar for the next Tribal Fireside Chat: Setting Yourself Up For Financial Success.

And if you’re not already a Tech Tribe member, use the code at thetechtribe.com/richard for up to 49% off membership. Kaching!

Links to the Resources Mentioned in this Round-Up

From Week 1

Mentioned in Week 2

Week 3

And Week 4

And Week 5

How You Can Help

As we close out Tubbservatory Round-Up #35 and the festive season draws near, the year’s end is in sight!

Got something valuable to share? Whether it’s a must-have tool, an insightful article, or a clever tip, drop it in the comments below. Let’s wrap up the year on a high note—your insights are priceless!