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Scaling IT Services in Small Towns: Ali Johnston (EP 804)
Manage episode 476361265 series 3297061
Why Listen?
This episode offers relatable insights for IT professionals working in smaller markets or expanding their businesses into new regions. Ali Johnston’s stories about cybersecurity awareness and scaling managed services are both practical and inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating growth while maintaining client trust.
Show Notes
Ali Johnston, owner of Bel Tech Services and longtime friend of Uncle Marv’s podcast, joins us live from ASCII Edge in Orlando to discuss her journey as an IT business owner focused on hypergrowth and cybersecurity awareness. After taking a hiatus from industry events to focus on her business, Ali is back with fresh perspectives on scaling managed services in small-town Satellite Beach while navigating the unique challenges of serving mom-and-pop shops.
She shares eye-opening stories about local scams targeting older communities, including a shocking incident involving scammers using Uber rides to exploit victims. With a focus on cybersecurity education and awareness, Ali emphasizes the importance of building trust with local clients who prefer personal connections over big corporations.
Main Topics Covered
Cybersecurity Awareness in Small Communities: Ali recounts personal stories of scams targeting older residents in Satellite Beach and discusses strategies for educating local clients about cybersecurity threats.
Scaling Managed Services in Small Towns: Ali explains how she converts service work into managed services by building trust with mom-and-pop shops who value local expertise over big companies.
Expanding Into New Markets: Through word-of-mouth referrals, Ali is growing her client base beyond Satellite Beach into areas like Tampa and St. Pete, showcasing the power of relationships in business growth.
Zero Trust & SASE Solutions: Ali explores her focus on modern cybersecurity solutions like Zero Trust architecture and SASE while addressing challenges such as managing multiple software agents on client systems.
=== SPONSORS
- Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
- Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz
- Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard
- Travel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
- Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
- Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready
=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE
- Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
- Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
- Item ID: CSR3UET
- Author Username: AlexanderRufire
- Licensee: Marvin Bee
- Registered Project Name: IT Business Podcast
- License Date: January 1st, 2024
- Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML
=== Show Information
- Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
- Host: Marvin Bee
- Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
- Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast
477 episodes
Manage episode 476361265 series 3297061
Why Listen?
This episode offers relatable insights for IT professionals working in smaller markets or expanding their businesses into new regions. Ali Johnston’s stories about cybersecurity awareness and scaling managed services are both practical and inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating growth while maintaining client trust.
Show Notes
Ali Johnston, owner of Bel Tech Services and longtime friend of Uncle Marv’s podcast, joins us live from ASCII Edge in Orlando to discuss her journey as an IT business owner focused on hypergrowth and cybersecurity awareness. After taking a hiatus from industry events to focus on her business, Ali is back with fresh perspectives on scaling managed services in small-town Satellite Beach while navigating the unique challenges of serving mom-and-pop shops.
She shares eye-opening stories about local scams targeting older communities, including a shocking incident involving scammers using Uber rides to exploit victims. With a focus on cybersecurity education and awareness, Ali emphasizes the importance of building trust with local clients who prefer personal connections over big corporations.
Main Topics Covered
Cybersecurity Awareness in Small Communities: Ali recounts personal stories of scams targeting older residents in Satellite Beach and discusses strategies for educating local clients about cybersecurity threats.
Scaling Managed Services in Small Towns: Ali explains how she converts service work into managed services by building trust with mom-and-pop shops who value local expertise over big companies.
Expanding Into New Markets: Through word-of-mouth referrals, Ali is growing her client base beyond Satellite Beach into areas like Tampa and St. Pete, showcasing the power of relationships in business growth.
Zero Trust & SASE Solutions: Ali explores her focus on modern cybersecurity solutions like Zero Trust architecture and SASE while addressing challenges such as managing multiple software agents on client systems.
=== SPONSORS
- Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
- Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmz
- Production Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongard
- Travel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
- Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
- Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready
=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE
- Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo
- Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
- Item ID: CSR3UET
- Author Username: AlexanderRufire
- Licensee: Marvin Bee
- Registered Project Name: IT Business Podcast
- License Date: January 1st, 2024
- Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML
=== Show Information
- Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
- Host: Marvin Bee
- Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
- Become a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast
477 episodes
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