While at Autotask’s recently held Community Live! conference in Miami, I sat in on a very interesting session run by Bruce Teichman, VP and partner of Cogent Growth Partners. The breakout concentrated on the topic of selling one’s business — the steps to take, how much money to expect, and when to start the process. Here’s a quick run-through of Teichman’s tips for how to run your business that will make it...  Continue Reading..

Some VARs and MSPs opt to take a hands off approach when it comes to bring your own device (BYOD) and mobile device management (MDM) opportunities. But, savvy resellers recognize three facts: First, your customers are going to use their personal mobile devices at work whether end users have corporate policies and solutions in place or not. And second, by not doing anything, your customers are at a greater risk of a data breach. And, finally,...  Continue Reading..

Autotask Community Live! officially kicked off yesterday at the gorgeous Trump National Doral Miami. Mark Cattini, president and CEO of the company took the stage in Monday's early morning keynote to update the crowded room of Autotask partners on the recent achievements and future goals of the automation company. Following are my notes from his presentation and the rest of the day...  Continue Reading..

Oftentimes, I’ll hear VARs say that they’re a trusted advisor to their retail customers. That might be the case. However, I want to plant the seed today and ask you if you’re really doing all you can to advise your customers. You may be trusted, no doubt, but are you doing the absolute best job possible advising your customers about the latest technologies, business-enhancing solutions, threats, and opportunities?  Continue Reading..

Last week I wrote an article urging VARs to provide their SMB retailers with technologies that allow those retailers to act like the big chains. I still stand by that recommendation, but now realize that such an idea doesn’t have to be limited to SMB retailers. Coincidentally, Business Solutions Editor Jay McCall just interviewed Jensen Information Technologies for an upcoming issue of the magazine. In the article, the...  Continue Reading..

In many cases, it’s large retailers who drive the adoption of the latest technology innovations. After all, they’ve got deeper pockets and the capability (i.e. personnel and expertise) to tinker with things. That said, smaller retailers have some things going for them as well. While many are short on IT budget, free time, and in-house expertise, there’s a willingness to gamble on something without fear of how shareholders will...  Continue Reading..

As break-fix solutions providers transition to managed services, something they need to come to grips with is the concept that not every customers is worth having as a customer. Business Solutions’ March issue included a feature story on Acumen IT titled “The 4 "Nos" That Lead To More Profitable Managed Services ‘Yeses’.” David Helm, Acumen’s CEO, said his #1 piece of advice was “Say No to...  Continue Reading..