Nothing Happens
by Itself
Copyright © 2023 Karl W. Palachuk
| |
|
Hello Karl, -
Merry Christmas!
For me, 2023 will long be remembered as the year of AI. But with a huge caveat: This is version .001!
AI will do more amazing things to change the world than anything we've seen in any other emerging technology. We literally cannot conceive of the changes that will evolve from here.
This picture is a great representation of the state of AI today. I opened Firefly from Adobe and entered a simple term: "Santa doing tech support." Some version of this woman was in three of the four results. I like this one because of her five fingers. No visible thumb on that hand, but five fingers.
In my opinion, graphic generative AI isn't "real" AI. It's basically super fun generative technology based on a combination of gargantuan graphics databases and large language models, made possible by computing power that is massive and impressive at any level. At the same time, I think it's a great reminder of where we are with the textual AI.
And if you watch carefully in 2024, you'll know what it's like to experience true exponential growth. I'm sure AI will bring us amazing changes as it touches all other technologies. The most obvious of these is generative text (such as ChatGPT), followed by IOT. Followed by everything else.
-- -- --
Quick Request: PLEASE pick one answer on the poll below to give us some feedback.
And just reply to this email to send me additional information or opinions. I appreciate it!
| |
|
It's Okay to Make Your Own Rules
I had a few people push back on my advice from last week to stop doing annual employee evaluations and stop tying evaluations to wages. The bottom line objection can be summarized as:
That's how it's always been done.
Well, no. In fact, practices like this are pretty "19th Century" in nature. In the 1930s, when the abuses of the industrial revolution were finally being replaced by good management, most modern countries started to adopt good, solid business practices. In large part, good management practices won World War II.
After the war, U.S. and European countries went back to a lot of bad, outdated, 19th Century management. They sent all the women home, pretended that everyone had to compete with everyone else for jobs, and even built processes so employees competed with one another.
As this "Western" approach enjoyed the post-war boom, everyone looked like geniuses while cities decayed and productivity took a nose dive. That's when Japan took up the business models that helped the U.S. win the war and started the long path to conquering the world. The most obvious example is always automobiles. But the same has happened with almost all industries.
And it continues today. Last Monday, Japan's Nippon Steel closed the deal to buy U.S. Steel. And so, a 122-year-old steel manufacturer that is literally the last vestige of the American Industrial Revolution was consumed by a company that continues to focus on good management and continuous improvement.
The way "everyone" does something often amounts to the most common way some companies do things within a very limited historical memory. Consider: What's the best way we know how to proceed? Do that.
And if people complain that you're different or you don't compete by everyone else's rules, that's okay. As the saying goes, "You be you." Then go find employees who want to work for you, and clients who want to do business with you.
Being different might just be another way to say innovate.
| |
|
What Do You Like Most?
Please take three seconds and answer this question. Pick one.
| |
| What do you like or use most in this newsletter? | | | |
|
More Feedback?
Great! If there's anything you really don't like, send me a note in email.
Have other suggestions? Send me an email. Just reply to this email. It goes right into my inbox.
And since only 3,000 people open this email each week, I'm sure I won't be overwhelmed. :-)
Thank You for your Feedback!
| |
|
Webinar recording posted:
New Membership Level,
5-Week Classes, Certifications,
and Open Q&A
In this program, Kara and I introduce the new Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community level and review the training opportunities associated with it. Then we have a Q&A session for new members and existing members.
Recorded last week. 40 minutes.
Members: Learn about your benefits! Non-Members: Learn where the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community fits in your successful business plan.
View here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyGUrB9Ly90
| |
Note: My good friend Dave Sobel has agreed to teach a brand new class for us, starting January 9th. The class is all about Navigating Emerging Technologies. This is a key focus of the great information Dave provides over at the Business of Tech podcast. See https://www.businessof.tech/.
Lots of information below.
-- -- --
If you haven't done so already, please sign up for my 15th annual State of the Nation Address for SMB IT Consultant. I promise it will be worthwhile. Free, of course. Register now at MSP Webinar.
This year's theme is The Dawning of a New Era for IT Consultants.
-- -- --
Thank you for the event updates. Some of the calendar events below are based on press releases, so they will change as hotels are locked down. Please keep sending the updates you have.
That's it for me this week. I will have an important blog post this week. So stay tuned for that. In the meantime, have a great Christmas today. Kwanzaa starts tomorrow.
Whatever you do, have a GREAT last business week of 2023.
Next newsletter: New Year's Day, wherein the Michigan Wolverines will win the Rose Bowl. I haven't seen that in a long time!
:-)
| |
|
Join me live at . . .
-
Karl's 2024 State of the Nation report for SMB IT - Register Now
- ASCII Edge - Feb. 21-22, 2024 in Costa Mesa, CA
- Channel Partners Conference - March 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV
- ChannelPro SMB Forum - Nov. 12-13, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA
Links below in the events calendar - or at WhereInTheWorldIsKarl.com.
| |
Great New Class to Kick Off 2024 !!! | |
|
Register is 2023 or 2024
- whichever is best for your taxes!
Navigating Emerging Technologies for MSPs
Taught by Dave Sobel
Technology Analyst and Podcaster
- Five Tuesdays
- Jan 9 - Feb 6
Register Now - Only $399*
In this five-week course, you will delve deep into the strategic facets of leveraging emerging technologies and trends for Managed Services Providers (MSPs). As the technology landscape continually evolves, the ability to identify and integrate new technologies into your MSP service offerings can be a significant differentiator. This course is designed to equip you with the tools, frameworks, and practical skills necessary to not only adapt but also thrive in this fast-paced environment.
Week 1 sets the stage by helping you understand the analysis process of current technology trends and how they can impact your MSP business. You’ll learn forecasting techniques that empower you to anticipate technological shifts, giving you a competitive edge.
Week 2 focuses on equipping you with decision-making skills tailored to technology adoption. By understanding how to evaluate and prioritize technologies based on various criteria, you’ll be well-placed to make choices that align with both market demand and your company’s capabilities.
In Week 3, you’ll gain financial literacy specific to technology investments. Whether you are a business owner, a manager, or a technical lead, understanding the financial implications of your choices is crucial. You’ll learn about building financial models to calculate ROI, TCO, and payback periods, enabling you to make fiscally responsible decisions.
Risk and compliance are the central themes of Week 4. In today’s complex regulatory environment, integrating new technology into your offerings isn’t just a matter of technical compatibility; it also involves meeting compliance standards and managing risks. You’ll acquire skills to navigate this intricate landscape effectively.
Finally, Week 5 enables you to put all the pieces together. You’ll engage in practical exercises that teach you how to create pilot programs, adjust your existing service offerings, and develop strategic roadmaps for incorporating new technologies into your business.
Through a blend of lectures, examples, exercises, and group discussions, you will emerge from this course with a robust understanding of how to strategically leverage technology trends. Whether you’re a seasoned MSP professional or aspiring to become one, this course will provide you with valuable insights and skills to elevate your career and business.
| |
Only $399
Top Take-aways:
- Technology Opportunity Identification: Gain the ability to identify and assess emerging technologies and trends relevant to Managed Services Providers.
- Decision-making Skills for Technology Adoption: Gain understanding in using frameworks and criteria to make informed decisions about integrating new technologies into service offerings.
- Financial Literacy for Technology Investments: Acquire skills in building and interpreting financial models to evaluate the ROI, TCO, and payback periods of technology investments.
- Risk and Compliance Management: Learn about risk assessment frameworks and compliance requirements for adopting and implementing new technologies in services.
- Practical Implementation Skills: Develop skills for creating pilot programs, adapting existing services, and formulating strategic roadmaps for technology adoption.
PLUS lots more.
| |
|
Here are the specifics of what you'll learn, week by week:
Unit 1 Scanning the Technology Horizon for Opportunities
Unit 2 Evaluating and Prioritizing Emerging Technologies
Unit 3 Financial Modeling and ROI for Technology-Driven Services
Unit 4 Risk Management and Compliance in Technology-Driven Services
Unit 5 Incorporating Emerging Technologies into Service Offerings
Delivered by Dave Sobel, Technology Analyst and Podcaster.
As always, this course includes instructor office hours, lots of handouts, and homework intended to help you actually make change in your business.
ITSP University Certification:
Meets Certification Requirements for:
- Management
- Service Manager
This class will be recorded. Each unit is generally posted within 24 hours of the live class. These recorded units will become the On-Demand class and you’ll have lifetime access to it.
Register Now - Only $399*
Note: * Members of the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community attend at no additional charge. See details in the Community
| |
All the Resources That Are Fit to Print | |
Recent Blog Posts, Podcasts, and Videos | |
|
Small Biz Thoughts Blog:
SMB Community Podcast - New episodes drop every Thursday
National Society of IT Service Providers News Blog
Relax Focus Succeed:
.
| |
|
Video of the Week . . .
One of our most popular videos!
| |
Community News
SmallBizThoughts.org
| |
|
Join us every Thursday
9 AM Pacific / Noon Eastern
All members welcome.
| |
|
New Member Notes: Take advantage of your membership!
- Community meeting every Thursday at 9AM Pacific. To see what these are like, see the recordings in the Community. Log in and click on the Groups icon, then see Member Calls.
- Members-only Roundtables are held the first Thursday of each month. We find great guests who can give you a new perspective on business, and then we ask them to go off their script and help us dig deeper. The link is always in your dashboard.
- All members have access to massive resources and training. Just search. If you need help finding anything, email us!
-- -- --
Next SBT Technology Community News video and newsletter will drop Friday!! Keep an eye out.
| |
Here's the last Community News video: | |
|
Impressive feat. I will note that the house belongs to a guy who works for the electrical utility and frequently has a lineman's bucket truck parked at his house.
Still: That's a lot more work than I'm willing to do for a palm tree.
:-)
| |
What's Here?
This calendar lists two kinds of things: LIVE in-person events from any organization that focuses on the SMB consulting community; and MY events, whether live, webinar, etc.
If you have live events on your calendar that may be useful to others in the SMB Community, please let us know. We'd be happy to list them.
| |
|
November 2024
ChannelPro SMB Forum
Nov. 12-13, 2024
Los Angeles, CA
Stay tuned for info: https://events.channelpronetwork.com/
Join me Live!
| |
Note: If you know of any in-person event for SMB Consultants, please send info to karlp@greatlittlebook.com. | |
Check out all my "Channels" | |
Share on YOUR Social Media: | |
Small Biz Thoughts is a subsidiary of Great Little Book Publishing Co., Inc. | |
View this and previous newsletters at
| |
|
AI Transparency Statement
We do not use artificial intelligence apps in the writing of any content for this newsletter. Some of our royalty-free paid graphics might use AI-generated images. But all of the writing is by Karl W. Palachuk, or others as noted.
| | | | |
