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"Community is not about belonging. It’s about belonging to something that makes belonging matter."

This powerful distinction lies at the heart of our conversation about what genuine community means in today’s business landscape.

When businesses confuse having customers with having community, they miss the transformative power of authentic connection. True community emerges when we help others grow without constantly asking, “What’s in it for me?” The results are extraordinary—customers evolve into passionate advocates, sales conversations shift into relationship-building opportunities, and everyone thrives together.

During COVID, this spirit of community came alive through weekly support calls, where 40–60 people gathered to navigate uncertainty. These calls helped nearly 20 businesses secure PPP loans, sparked marketing breakthroughs, and even led to successful acquisitions. Today, the gatherings continue as a space where people freely exchange knowledge and offer emotional support. Initiatives like collecting donations for food banks and aiding struggling local businesses showed how small acts of kindness can ripple outward with lasting impact.

MSPs often act as “first responders of the business world,” protecting not just operations—but livelihoods. When we embrace this responsibility, our mindset shifts from transactions to transformation. The beautiful paradox? By focusing less on sales and more on service, business naturally grows. When vendors educate MSPs instead of selling to them, and MSPs champion client success over upselling, clients don’t need to be pursued—they seek you out.

Have you felt the difference between belonging to a network and being part of a true community? We’d love to hear your story. Connect with us and share how community has shaped your business journey.

Ken Patterson on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenpatterson16

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What happens when you sell the business you've built from the ground up? More importantly, who will take care of the clients who’ve trusted you for years?

These questions lie at the heart of a powerful conversation about the human side of business exits. While most discussions around mergers and acquisitions focus on valuation multiples and deal structures, this one dives into the relationship dynamics that truly define success.

When fielding acquisition calls, savvy business owners flip the script. Yes, potential buyers are evaluating your business—but you should be interviewing them just as thoroughly. Will they maintain your service standards? Will your clients enjoy working with them? The sale becomes less about walking away and more about ensuring continuity for those who helped build your success.

Most sellers focus solely on the financial payday, but this narrow lens overlooks the bigger picture. Your business isn’t just an asset—it’s a living entity with stakeholders who rely on it. The real shift happens when you begin seeing yourself not just as the owner, but as a shareholder. This mindset change can transform your approach, helping you extract value while preserving what you’ve built.

For small business owners whose net worth is largely tied to their company, exit planning is critical. Working with financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants on a regular basis opens up options beyond simply “staying in the seat until you pass.” There are multiple ways to secure your future while ensuring the business thrives without you.

Ready to think differently about your future? Start by viewing yourself as a shareholder in your own enterprise—and begin planning for the day your business continues its journey, with or without you at the helm.

Williams Logistics:
https://waionline.com/transport-usa

Micheal McKeen on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michealmckeen

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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com

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What does it take to build a successful career in the technology channel?
The answer might surprise you. It's not technical prowess—or even owning a computer. It's relationships.

The journey from industry outsider to respected insider shows how a few key connections can completely transform your career. Entering the MSP ecosystem without a technical background? Your ability to form genuine, lasting relationships becomes your greatest asset.

This approach has even earned a name: the Rob Ray effect—where consistent, authentic interactions at industry events build over time, compounding into a powerful network that opens doors throughout your career.

Success in the channel means pushing beyond your comfort zone: showing up to early breakfast meetings you'd rather skip, staying late at the lobby bar to meet three new people, or sharing random whale facts that make you unforgettable. These relationship-building habits pay off—especially in an industry where who you know can matter just as much as what you know.

Business development exists in nearly every sector—from restaurant beer reps to travel agents to technology vendors—and the core of the job is remarkably similar across all of them. But if you're someone who thrives on connection, craves meaningful interactions, and loves industry events, the MSP channel offers uniquely rewarding opportunities—plus better compensation than many comparable roles.

Curious how your network could transform your future?
Tune in now to discover the relationship-building secrets that can secure your place in the tech world—no coding skills required.

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Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

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• https://www.tiktok.com/@empowerelevatepodcast
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Hi, I’m Marc Thomas, Founder and CEO of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS. If you or someone you know could benefit from our cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity services, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today to learn how we can secure and elevate your business. https://www.currentTEKsolutions.com