Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)

• Top 10 MSP Billing Blunders (EP 949)

  Uncle Marv unveils his “Top 10 MSP Billing Blunders” drawn from years of running an IT services company, talking with peers, and swapping stories in the MSP community. Learn how treating billing as a scheduled, recurring task prevents missed invoices.See why vague “services rendered” invoices confuse clients and delay payment.Implement “no work without a ticket” so every action is documented and billable.Use PSA, RMM, and tools like Domotz and Action1 as your time and device source of truth.Tighten discounts with clear terms, end dates, and regular margin reviews.Avoid underpriced flat‑fee or “all you can eat” agreements by understanding usage risk.Keep MSAs, SOWs, and PSA data in sync so invoices match contracts and counts.Build recurring processes to handle new users, devices, and added services like deeper 365 tenant management.Take ownership of inventory and retired devices so billing reflects actual protected assets.Design invoices that list counts, services, and selected ticket highlights clients recognize.Offer flexible payment methods (checks, cards, ACH) without undermining your pricing.Gain confidence to price like a top MSP instead of leading with “we’re cheaper.”Cast your vote for the 2025 Podcast Awards: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/2025-podcast-awards/=== Links from the ShowDomotz: https://www.domotz.comMicrosoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365Action1: https://www.action1.comPodnutz Network: https://podnutz.com=== SPONSORS: Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== SHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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• Building an All‑In Microsoft Security Stack (EP 948)

  For MSPs trying to go “Microsoft‑first” without blowing up their business, Ben Wilcox lays out the playbook ProArch uses every day. Hear how a 500‑person firm standardizes on Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation while still leaving room for partners and third‑party tools where they actually add value.Why ListenSee why ProArch standardized on Microsoft security (Defender XDR, Intune, Purview) instead of juggling multiple point products.Understand the journey from on‑prem servers and basic AV to EDR/XDR, zero trust, and 24/7 SOC operations.Get actionable starting points for going Microsoft‑first: Azure AD, Intune, conditional access, and Defender for Business/Premium.Hear how to gradually move customers from on‑prem AD and file shares to hybrid identity and cloud‑native storage like OneDrive and SharePoint.Learn how Nerdio and Remo3 help manage multi‑tenant Microsoft environments, AVD, and app packaging efficiently.Discover how ProArch evaluates which third‑party tools to keep and which to replace with built‑in Microsoft capabilities.Understand Microsoft Purview’s role in data classification, labeling, insider risk, and safe Copilot rollouts.Get insight into identity as the top cyber risk and how passwordless logins (Windows Hello, passkeys, YubiKeys) can reduce phishing impact.Hear real‑world challenges of enforcing zero trust with vendors who want you to weaken security controls.Learn how telemetry across devices, email, identities, and behavior allows risk‑based decisions and automatic enforcement.Get a realistic look at deepfakes, AI‑generated voices, and their impact on fraud and social engineering.See what Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) membership means and why MSPs should look for MISA‑aligned partners.Explore how ProArch partners with MSPs: one‑time projects, co‑managed solutions, dedicated offshore teams, and SOC outsourcing.Webinar: How to Build Agents that Understand Your Data with Copilot Studio: https://linkly.link/2Tcp6Links from the Show:Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365Microsoft Azure: https://azure.microsoft.comMicrosoft Intune: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-intuneMicrosoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD): https://azure.microsoft.com/services/virtual-desktopMicrosoft Purview: https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/microsoft-purviewMicrosoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/intelligent-security-associationMicrosoft Ignite: https://ignite.microsoft.comNerdio: https://getnerdio.comRimo3: https://www.rimo3.com/RSA Conference: https://www.rsaconference.comWindows Hello: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips/windows-hello=== SPONSORS: Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== SHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufire Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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• From Checklists to True Compliance-as-a-Service (EP 947)

  MSPs are being dragged into compliance whether they’re ready or not, and this episode gives you a practical roadmap from people who’ve already done it. Tim and Shanna break down how to launch compliance-as-a-service, reduce your legal exposure, and finally get paid for work you’re already doing for free.Why Listen:Learn how Compliance Scorecard evolved from a simple checklist into a multi-module GRC platform built by an MSP for MSPs.Hear real stories about CMMC, HIPAA, New York DFS, SOC 2 and cyber insurance requirements driving new revenue and risk.Understand how to document client decisions so “we told you no” is provable when lawyers and insurers get involved.Discover how to reposition your QBRs/TBRs from “ticket counts” to executive-level risk and business impact conversations.See why assigning a dedicated compliance champion inside your MSP is the crucial first step before tools.Get a preview of Compliance Scorecard’s AI-driven policy experience that explains policies “like I’m five” and tests user understanding.*** Cast your vote for the 2025 Podcast Awards: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/2025-podcast-awards/Links from the Show:Compliance Scorecard: https://www.compliancescorecard.comCMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): https://dodcio.defense.gov/cmmc/About/HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): https://www.hhs.gov/hipaaNew York DFS (Department of Financial Services Cybersecurity Regulation): https://www.dfs.ny.govFedRAMP: https://www.fedramp.govCIS IG1 (Center for Internet Security Implementation Group 1): https://www.cisecurity.orgSOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2): https://linkly.link/2SBSQSPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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• Cameron Brister: Democratizing Technology for SMBs ( EP 946)

  This NSITSP Member Spotlight dives into Cameron’s journey through higher education IT, a Fortune 500 manufacturing role, church AV/IT, and ultimately going all-in on his MSP in 2020. The conversation explores building recurring revenue from legacy software automation, setting financial and personal boundaries for leaving corporate, and elevating MSP professionalism so clients see you as a trusted strategic partner—not just the person who fixes printers.​Why listen:Learn how Cameron turned a nights-and-weekends web gig into a full MSP practice.Hear how early automation and SQL scripting work led directly to full IT management contracts.Get practical advice on when to leave corporate and what financial guardrails to have in place.Discover why “not all business is good business” and how to define a good-fit client.Understand Cameron’s view on democratizing technology instead of just blocking users.See how The Tech Tribe and peer groups shaped his growth and decision-making.Learn what NSITSP is doing to raise professionalism and give IT providers a voice with regulators.Links from the show: Square PlanIT: https://squareplanetit.comNational Society of IT Service Providers (NSITSP): https://nsitsp.orgThe Tech Tribe: https://thetechtribe.comImmybot: https://immy.botScaleCon: https://scalecon.comUniversity of Louisiana at Monroe: https://ulm.eduKarl Palachuk: https://smallbizthoughts.com American Bar Association: https://americanbar.orgDavid Phillips: https://dependableitservices.com/SPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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• Black Friday 2025: Tech, Coffee, and Cables (EP 945)

  Looking for real-world tech, home, and office upgrades for Black Friday? Marv and Dawn spotlight Roborock robot mops, Plaud AI transcription, Keds conference shoes, active noise-canceling headphones, desk and chair splurges, and smart Christmas lights that daisy-chain cleanly. They wrap it all in an MSP-friendly conversation about IT Nation, podcasting gear, and how AI is quietly improving everyday workflows.​​Products Mentioned: Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A Robot Vacuum and Mop: https://amzn.to/4pxf2fF Treedix USB Cable Tester: https://amzn.to/4pxJmXNMPL 15-Plug Audio Cable Tester: https://amzn.to/4ok0yii Plaud AI / Plaud Note AI Voice Recorder: https://amzn.to/3Kgf10S Ninja Hot & Iced Coffee Maker: https://amzn.to/3LZg1XK Keds Women’s Center 2 Sneakers: https://amzn.to/43SinOb IT Nation Steak Knives: https://amzn.to/4agAiSx RODE PodMic: https://amzn.to/48jEdLO LED Christmas String Lights: https://amzn.to/4oiTX7U Ember Smart Mug: https://amzn.to/48nMgra Ember Tumbler, Temperature Control Travel Mug: https://amzn.to/4pBXv6qSHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem License Code: 7X9F52DNML SHOW INFORMATION: Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

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