599: Empowering Your Tech Business: Systems, Billing, and Client Communication

Command Control Power: Apple Tech Support & Business Talk

#Tech #Tech News #Apple #Appleconsultants #Appletech #Mac #Macintosh #Mactech #PsiMac #Jerry Zigmont #News

36:16

DANMMMMM…Have I got a show for you! First, a lot of Sister Wives tea - new rumors have surfaced Janelle Brown is leaving the show. Plus, Gabe Brown gives a life update after losing and tragically finding his brother Garrison dead. Sadly, Garrison took his own life in March 2024. Then we head over to discuss the new Welcome To Plathville tea. The first pictures of Micah Plath have surfaced after being beat up by his brother Issac and it doesn’t look good for the future of his modeling career. Lastly, we discuss the latest in the Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively case, Justin is back on social media and it was the perfect social media return. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Open and new Sister Wives news 00:05:43 - Janelle Brown leaving the show? Sister Wives Closet is officially closed 00:12:45 - A new pic of Micah Plath’s broken nose has surfaced 00:18:18 - Justin Baldoni back on social media and Taylor Swifts team is pissed at Justin Baldoni MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: MOM15 for 15% OFF (code expires May 11th, 2025) **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Download Cash App & sign up! Use our exclusive referral code TSFS in your profile, send $5 to a friend within 14 days, and you’ll get $10 dropped right into your account. Terms apply Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids Gopurebeauty.com science backed skincare from head to toe, use code TSFS at checkout for 25% OFF your order Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Rula.com/tsfs to get started today. That’s R-U-L-A dot com slash tsfs for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance. SkylightCal.com/tsfs for $30 OFF your 15 inch calendar Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Warbyparker.com/tsfs make an appointment at one of their 270 store locations and head to the website to try on endless pairs of glasses virtually and buy your perfect pair Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

about a year ago 58:35

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss various strategies for improving business operations in the tech consultancy world. They cover topics such as the importance of automated billing, using ticketing systems, and switching to recurring revenue models. Joe talks about his decision to stop accepting checks and move to fully automated credit card payments, the advantages of using services like RepairShopper and Smith AI, and the benefits of having a systematic approach to client management. Jerry shares his thoughts on the effectiveness of keeping track of all internet service expenses and offers a real-world example of helping a client identify unnecessary costs. They both emphasize the need for tech consultants to continually reevaluate their tools and services to maximize efficiency and profitability.

101 episodes

599: Empowering Your Tech Business: Systems, Billing, and Client Communication

Command Control Power: Apple Tech Support & Business Talk

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

101 episodes

#Tech #Tech News #Apple #Appleconsultants #Appletech #Mac #Macintosh #Mactech #PsiMac #Jerry Zigmont #News

All episodes

1
Best Of CCP - 288: Shoehorns, Straight Jackets & Ducktape 50:21

4 days ago50:21

50:21

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, thaey discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

1
617: Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models 1:04:03

11 days ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models The hosts of Command Control Power are joined by Adam Engst of Tidbits Content Network for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of AI, the ethics of technology in business, and how evolving business models are influencing content creation. Topics include the 35th anniversary of Tidbits, the importance of maintaining human decency in business practices, the future of AI-based answer engines compared to traditional search engines, and the need for businesses to develop AI policies. Engst also shares personal anecdotes and offers insights on how to responsibly integrate AI into everyday professional tasks. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:09 Celebrating 35 Years of Tidbits 01:14 Navigating Current Events and Business Ethics 04:51 Challenges in Business and Academia 07:06 Handling Offboarding and Client Relations 10:12 The Impact of Media and Fiction on Real Life 12:12 A Lesson in Communication and De-escalation 18:15 The Rise of AI and Apple's Struggles 31:35 Introduction to Answer Engines 31:48 The Role of Original Sources 32:12 Impact of Answer Engines on Source Verification 33:03 Commercial Content vs. Non-Commercial Content 35:05 Challenges with Paywalls and Advertising Models 36:04 Micropayments as a Solution 37:07 The Evolution of Business Models 40:46 The Rise of AI Answer Engines 44:30 The Future of Search and AI Integration 58:40 The Importance of AI Policies in Business 01:01:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

1
616: Backblaze Blues, Alectrona Patch Updates & the MacBook Air That Took Flight 1:09:49

18 days ago1:09:49

1:09:49

The hosts of Command Control Power discuss recent issues with Backblaze, including failed updates and poor communication, which have eroded trust among users. They delve into the technical struggles with Apple's update processes and highlight improvements to the Electronic Patch software. Jerry shares a personal story about accidentally leaving his MacBook Air on top of his car and the ensuing repair saga, illustrating the importance of awareness and preparedness in the IT field. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the frustrations and foibles that come with managing tech in today's rapidly evolving landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:12 Backblaze Recap: Communication and QA Issues 01:32 Backblaze Update Problems and User Confusion 03:03 Backblaze's Compromised Credentials and Communication Breakdown 05:41 Inconsistent Communication and Crowdsourcing Solutions 18:18 Apple's QA Issues and Update Problems 33:01 General Frustrations with Technology and Education 35:45 AI Tools for Coders 36:14 Introducing Trona Patch 3.0 36:50 Customizing Patch Notifications 37:23 Client Reactions to Patch 39:39 New Features in Patch 3.0 46:51 Balancing Notifications and Updates 50:39 A Funny Anecdote 51:02 The MacBook Air Incident 55:04 Restoring from Backup 01:00:49 Final Thoughts and Thanks…

1
615: Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth 53:24

25 days ago53:24

53:24

Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth In this episode, the discussion revolves around the concept of boutique consultancy, highlighting the benefits of providing a personalized, high-touch service over rapid, automated responses. The conversation delves into the comparison between boutique firms and large-scale competitors, focusing on client satisfaction versus cost-saving strategies. Drawing parallels to Apple's business approach, the discussion extends to the evolution of consulting within the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of intelligent strategy over mere ticket resolutions. The conversation wraps up with practical insights into asset management, device lifecycle strategies, and the challenges and experiences of running a consultancy. 00:00 Introduction to Boutique Consultancy 01:31 The Apple Business Model as a Muse 03:14 The Role of Consulting in Managed Services 08:00 Challenges and Strategies in Client Management 09:22 Team Size and Economic Factors 12:03 Contract Structures and Pricing Strategies 21:25 Analytical Skills and Personal Background 25:51 Personal Time and Future Plans 28:36 Balancing Work and Family Life 29:13 Holiday Plans and Skiing Adventures 30:56 Generational Differences in Technology 33:25 Sustainable Business Practices 36:43 Lifecycle Management of Devices 42:01 Challenges and Strategies in Hardware Sales 47:16 The Importance of Client Relationships 49:31 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements…

1
614: Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen of Origin 84 58:46

5 weeks ago58:46

58:46

Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Michael Thomsen of Origin 84, dialing in from Australia. Michael shares critical insights into the use of AI in IT consulting. Topics range from the pros and cons of binge-listening to tech podcasts to the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, sharing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency, such as generating meeting summaries, handling complex client requests, and improving ticketing systems. The discussion also touches on the risks of data leakage, the necessity of well-defined policies, and the future implications of AI in both enhancing productivity and posing security challenges. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:36 Listener Feedback and Follow-Up 02:41 AI Tools in Daily Work 05:51 AI Integration in Business 09:08 Real-World AI Use Cases 13:52 Challenges and Best Practices with AI 23:50 AI in Education and Policy 27:22 Understanding AI Policies and Data Leakage 28:28 Balancing AI Empowerment and Security Risks 29:21 Credential Stuffing and Security Examples 30:49 Implementing Effective AI Policies 32:10 Microsoft Tools for Data Security 35:03 Challenges in Modern Security Practices 39:14 Leveraging AI for Productivity 42:09 AI in Client Communication and Ticketing 47:48 The Human Element in AI Integration 51:32 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Security…

1
613: Inside the World of IT: Daily Challenges and Unlikely Solutions 1:04:58

6 weeks ago1:04:58

1:04:58

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss several interesting and challenging situations they’ve encountered. They start by encouraging listeners to support them on Patreon for additional content, including unedited YouTube broadcasts. The main discussions cover a range of topics: the idea of maintaining up-to-date hardware for clients, how to strategically manage old equipment, and the peculiar case of a client getting inundated with spam emails likely as a cover for fraudulent activities involving a Best Buy purchase. They explore possible solutions and share their experiences dealing with such disruptions. Additionally, Jerry shares a humorous story about helping a client with her TV and encountering an unexpected twist with a generous tip to a technician. 00:00 Introduction and Patreon Promotion 01:38 Unedited YouTube Broadcasts 02:52 Barcelona Travel Talk 04:00 Tech Truisms and Client Discussions 06:38 Client Hardware Upgrade Policies 12:31 Unsupported Hardware Fees and Security Risks 27:45 Apple Business Manager and iCloud Issues 34:40 The Mysterious Phone Issue 35:28 Joe's Story: The Spam Attack 37:07 Understanding the Hacker's Tactics 39:28 Dealing with the Spam Flood 46:44 A Disgruntled Employee? 47:59 The Best Buy Clue 49:15 The Police Involvement 50:20 The Amateur Hacker Theory 55:27 Jerry's Funny TV Repair Story 01:02:27 Conclusion and Next Steps…

1
Best Of CCP - 020: Client Anecdotes & Rates 1:02:47

7 weeks ago1:02:47

1:02:47

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

1
611: Breaking Bad-Blaze 57:46

8 weeks ago57:46

57:46

Join us for an engaging episode of Command Control Power as Jerry reports live from a beautiful chapel in Paris. He shares his travel experiences in the city, the challenges of walking and navigating with Apple Maps, and the frustrations with iPhone battery life. The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into tech issues, including a detailed discussion on the recent woes with Backblaze's backups, Apple's AI shortcomings, and how customer feedback plays a role in tech improvement. Tune in for insights, tech tips, and a few laughs along the way.…

1
610: Travel Tales and Techie Triumphs: Sam's Hawaii Adventure & Exploring Alectrona Patch 53:27

9 weeks ago53:27

53:27

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts dive into a vibrant conversation starting with Sam's recent trip to Maui, Hawaii. Sam shares his experience, the unexpected challenges, and how he managed to take a much-needed mental break from work. His trip also marks his personal milestone of visiting all 50 U.S. states. The discussion then shifts to various tech topics, including challenges in managing family travel expenses and the cost-saving tips on accommodations and food during vacations. The hosts also humorously explore unusual solutions for managing snoring, such as using paper tape to tape the mouth shut while sleeping, based on a recent popular trend. The tech talk intensifies as Joe delves into his experience deploying Alectrona Patch, a tool for managing software updates across client machines, using Addigy. He shares the ease of use, the features that impressed him, and the quick support he received from Alectrona. Sam and Jerry also weigh in with their experiences and tips, making a strong case for using Patch for efficient software management. Additional discussions include dental technology for making impressions and the benefits of modern night guards, as well as the intriguing Larq smart water bottle that purifies water and tracks your hydration through an app. 00:00 Introduction and Maui Brewing Company Hat 00:38 Travel Stories and Hawaii Adventures 01:33 Challenges of Traveling with Family 02:13 Unexpected Shortages and Vacation Costs 03:13 The Importance of Disconnecting on Vacation 06:09 Travel Tips and Personal Experiences 16:38 Dental Implants and Modern Technology 20:27 Water Purification and Health Gadgets 23:22 The Water Bottle Trend 23:49 Collapsible Water Bottles for Travel 25:14 Technological Advancements in Hydration 27:33 Implementing Patch Software 35:14 Customizing Patch for Client Needs 41:15 Practical Tips and Experiences with Patch 50:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans…

1
609: Insights and Updates from ACEs Conference 2025 with Justin Esgar 51:21

10 weeks ago51:21

51:21

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome back Justin Esgar of ACEs Conference. The discussion kicks off with light-hearted banter about colds and convincing Jerry to buy a ticket for the upcoming ACEs Conference. Justin shares behind-the-scenes insights into his daily routine and the value of attending ACEs, highlighting its focus on business growth for consultants, the expansion of the conference to include special training sessions at the 'big fruit company' campus, and how it helps attendees improve client relations and efficiencies. The conversation also covers the unique supportive nature of the Apple community and the upcoming Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship in honor of Justin's father. The episode wraps up with an insightful discussion about the ACES Mastermind program, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community support in the tech industry. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Justin Esgar 01:01 Daily Routine and Behind the Scenes 01:56 ACEs Conference Overview 02:50 Special Training and Business Focus 04:43 Consulting and Sales Strategies 16:24 Importance of Cyber Insurance 19:13 Bringing Employees to ACEs 26:28 Tim Pearson's Chat and Wedding Insights 26:55 Honoring My Dad: The Edward Esgar ACES Scholarship 28:35 Funny Story: The Car Mix-Up 29:59 All Things MSP and Podcasting 31:22 The Sandwich Compliment and Fearless Feedback 36:57 Mastermind Program and Business Coaching 42:06 The Unique Apple Community 47:44 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts…

1
608: In the Cloud: Troubleshooting Tech and Exploring Backups 48:46

11 weeks ago48:46

48:46

ShrimpShellShineShoe24! 608: In the Cloud: Troubleshooting Tech and Exploring Backups In this episode of Command Control Power, the team discusses a range of topics from humorous backdrops and personal anecdotes about health to dealing with poor support from vendors and troubleshooting client tech issues. They highlight the importance of routine check-ups, like colonoscopies, share experiences with various backup solutions including Backblaze and Carbon Copy Cloner, and delve into the complexities of using organizational tools like OmniFocus, Monday.com, and Things. The episode wraps up with a cautionary tale about outdated routers affecting internet performance and tips for navigating client inquiries. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:07 Old Man Yells at Cloud 00:39 Dental Implants and Simpsons Humor 01:12 Health PSA: Colonoscopy 02:23 Backup Solutions Discussion 02:51 Carbon Copy Cloner Features 05:06 Backblaze and iCloud Storage 16:11 Encryption and External Drives 19:47 Organizational Tools: OmniFocus and Daylight 23:51 Reflecting on OmniFocus 25:13 Automation and OmniFocus Pro 26:15 Exploring Monday.com 27:19 The Things App and Emojis 28:12 The Importance of Quick Input 28:46 Handling Too Many Tasks 34:35 Dealing with Poor Support 41:17 Client Internet Troubleshooting 45:54 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts…

1
607: DDM Deja Vu & Other Mysteries: A Kale Salad for Your Mac 57:45

12 weeks ago57:45

57:45

In this episode, the hosts delve into maximizing earnings from the Amazon Affiliate Program, including the requirement to link clients to a webpage first for tracking and credit. They discuss the importance of managing Mac software updates through MDM and the emerging DDM approach, addressing their methods and challenges with client systems. Additionally, they touch on using Ubiquiti equipment effectively and maintaining client hardware. The episode covers practical insights, from affiliate program strategies to technical management of software updates in Apple devices.…

1
Best Of CCP - 087: Joe's Birthday Bash 1:13:52

13 weeks ago1:13:52

1:13:52

Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

1
605: Backup Challenges with Adam Engst Of The Tidbits Content Network 1:01:30

14 weeks ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Backup Challenges with Adam Engst Of The Tidbits Content Network In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts are joined by Adam Engst from TidBITS Content Network to discuss the evolving landscape of bootable backups, cloud storage solutions, and disaster recovery strategies. They delve into Apple's recent changes affecting bootable backups, the importance of testing backup functionality, and the pros and cons of relying on cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive for both personal and enterprise use. Various backup methodologies are compared, including local and cloud backups, and the discussion expands to the role of multiple devices and redundancy in ensuring minimal downtime. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding risks and having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. Engst also shares valuable insights on the challenges of maintaining historical backups and the complexities of migrating email backup services. The episode concludes with a look at the offerings of TidBITS Content Network and how it helps consultants provide valuable content to their clients. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:10 The Evolution of Bootable Backups 01:18 Challenges with Bootable Backups 03:09 Personal Experiences with Bootable Backups 05:59 Apple's Recent Fixes and Ongoing Issues 07:16 Importance of Testing Backups 08:54 Diverse Backup Methods and Strategies 12:44 Cloud-Based Tools and Their Limitations 22:57 Email Backup Solutions 24:37 Backup Services and Recommendations 29:15 Exploring Backup Solutions 29:34 The Wasabi Storage Phenomenon 30:29 Email Backup Challenges 34:58 Disaster Recovery Considerations 43:18 The Importance of Redundancy 54:19 TidBITS Content Network Insights 59:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…

1
604: Sync or Swim: Tales from the Technical Trenches 1:00:36

15 weeks ago1:00:36