Brian Sherman Posts

Just 10 years ago, all an experienced IT professional needed to start his or her own services business was a hearty desire to succeed, a solid work ethic and an accountant to keep track of the influx of cash. Skill was, and continues to be, an essential ingredient in the success of solution provider companies, but over time, the organizational fundamentals have also grown in importance. Successful IT solution providers have to work effectively on both sides of the house today, with a firm grasp ...

By now, just about everyone has been exposed to the benefits of Web-based computing. From the non-stop radio and television advertisements from cable and phone companies to the personalized communications sent out by massive direct and indirect sales providers, the message is getting out. With a virtually limitless number of advantages for the business community, cloud services adoption continues to grow exponentially each year while its impact on the channel makes similar gains. After all, Web- ...

As the old saying goes, change is inevitable, which is why it’s important to be prepared for not only the positive, but also negative variations in the workplace and in life. Of course, it can take a fair amount of time for individuals to properly research issues that may pose a threat to their way or life or, inversely, improve it. For businesses, those changes happen almost every day, so entrepreneurs have to remain vigilant at all times to minimize their risks and take advantage of new ...

When was the last time you posted a help wanted sign and a number of suitably qualified individuals lined up to fill out an application? Chances are it’s been a while, especially for solution providers and other IT companies looking for experienced technicians and engineers. The labor force and the processes involved in attracting this pool of new talent have both evolved over the past few years. Employment specialists often point to work ethic and personal motivation differences between ...

You’ve surely seen the commercials publicizing the repercussions of defrauding insurance companies in which someone suggests taking part in a seemingly harmless scheme. Of course, the proposed activity, which is intended to help the alleged claimant, is not only unethical and costly to the industry, but illegal. These commercials are meant to educate the public on the consequences of fraud by demonstrating that what appears to be a harmless way to recoup a loss is actually a serious crime. ...

Remember the old fallacy that men never use or even carry roadmaps? That misconception may have held more meaning in the past, when printed charts and written directions were the only option for travelers. Modern technologies such as GPS and other direction applications have all but invalidated that sentiment, as both genders ditch the Rand McNally paper version for its virtual equivalent. That doesn’t mean roadmaps are completely out of style. While the paper versions that help drivers fi ...

Stories that hold a connection to our personal interests are often the most memorable. I will always remember my uncle’s accounts of learning to fly a biplane back in the early 1930s as he struggled to make enough money during the Great Depression to pay for both lessons and fuel. While the years have faded many of my memories, his stories remain as crystal clear in my mind today as they were more than 30 years ago. Psychologists suggest that long-term recall varies based on two major fact ...

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Of course, he wasn’t referring to IT channel companies when he said it, but in doing so he managed to sum up the dilemma many face when deciding how to grow their businesses. It can be difficult enough just managing pure revenue growth from existing operations, but when expanding services and sol ...

It has never been easy to find and retain quality employees. Regardless of how much people complain about today’s challenges with recruitment and retention, world history is filled with HR stories that would make finding an IT tech seem like a walk in the park. In the Stone Age, for example, the Greek economy relied heavily on fishing and trading, so those with sailing skills and great physical strength were highly desired employees. Those with the most exceptional talents often became mer ...

If advertising is any gauge, everyone is selling cloud now. Even though some of the most hype-filled promotions don’t specifically spell out for their intended audience the benefits of this thriving technology delivery method, the frequency of their pitch is likely encouraging prospective clients to conduct their own research. That’s good news for those in the channel, as long as they have the confidence and capabilities to provide a superior service. While some industry professional ...