MFP Copier Blog

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July 14th, 2024

Arcoa Group

Why partnering with ARCOA makes sense
Electronics Recycling is an important and profitable part of the IT asset lifecycle, but it can be overwhelming with all you already do, varying state regulations, and the limited resources at hand. That’s where ARCOA comes in. When you partner with ARCOA, you get all the benefits of a big company without any of the capital investment. We’ve been doing this since 1989 and have the expertise, certifications, and nationwide resources to get the most for all your clients’ retired IT assets. Plus, positioning your clients as environmental stewards not only elevates their appeal to consumers, it meets government requirements and avoids fines.

What partnering with ARCOA looks like
Our role is to make it easy for you to bring more value to your clients. We work with you to help stretch your clients’ IT budget by reducing the total cost of ownership of their electronics. We’re experts at identifying and implementing the solutions your clients need for the end-of-use re-marketing, recovery, and recycling of their technology assets. The sooner you involve ARCOA, the sooner you and your client.

M-Files Knowledge Work Automation Platform Recognized for Providing Superior AI Capabilities and Experiences

• M-Files Knowledge Work Automation Platform is acknowledged for its advanced AI features.
• platform is praised for delivering exceptional user experiences.
• excels in automating knowledge work through AI-driven solutions.
• platform receives industry recognition for its innovative AI applications.
• AI capabilities in M-Files boost productivity and streamline workflows.
• M-Files stands out for integrating cutting-edge AI technology into its platform.

39% of MSPs report major setbacks when adapting to advanced security technologies

• Reported on securityintelligence.com
• MSPs struggle with rapidly evolving cybersecurity technologies, talent shortages, and emerging threats.
• Keeping up with new cybersecurity tools demands significant resources and training.
• Finding and retaining skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a major issue.
• Sophisticated attack methods and evolving threats increase cybersecurity complexity.
• Compromised credentials and lack of in-house expertise leave MSPs vulnerable.
• MDR services offer advanced security tools, updated protocols, and access to specialized talent, enhancing MSPs' cybersecurity capabilities

Konica Minolta Ranked on Channel Futures 2024 MSP 501 List

• Konica Minolta named one of the world's top-performing managed service providers in the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.
• Provides customized IT services through its division, All Covered, to thousands of U.S. organizations.
• Celebrated for optimizing business operations and digital transformation efforts.
• The 2024 MSP 501 list recognizes top MSPs based on growth, profitability, and innovation.
• Recognized for delivering daily for customers and being among the most innovative and successful MSPs.
• Konica Minolta supports digital transformation through its Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio and has received multiple industry awards.

Mastering Serverless Data Warehousing in AWS: A Comprehensive Deep Dive

• Older designs struggle with rapidly growing data, requiring extensive infrastructure management and high upfront costs.
• Managing traditional data warehouses reduces innovation by 30% and slows insight generation by 50%.
• Provides a scalable, pay-as-you-go solution, freeing data engineers to focus on analysis rather than infrastructure.
• Future advancements like AI-driven Redshift Serverless could further optimize resource scaling and cost efficiency.
• Hybrid and multi-cloud integration will be crucial for consolidating data platforms and ensuring full control.
• Emphasizing access controls, encryption, and governance frameworks to protect data while enabling efficient use.

Understanding AI Bias and Why Human Intelligence Cannot Be Replaced

• AI bias can cause significant damage to cybersecurity if not properly controlled.
• Incorporating human intelligence alongside AI is essential for effective digital infrastructure protection.
• AI can quickly process and make decisions based on vast amounts of data, outperforming human speed.
• AI systems may make biased or ethically incorrect decisions without human oversight.
• Human intelligence considers intuition, experience, context, and values, offering a broader perspective than AI alone.
• AI's reliance on outdated or majority-biased data can lead to misinformation, making human fact-checking crucial.

Expel and ivision Partner to Deliver Industry-Leading Managed Detection and Response ...

• ivision announces a partnership with Expel to provide advanced MDR solutions to enhance clients' security.
• Expel MDR Capabilities: Offers 24/7/365 detection and response across various environments, including cloud, SaaS, and endpoints.
• Achieves rapid detection and response times with AI-driven automation, significantly reducing remediation time.
• ivision clients gain access to award-winning threat detection and response, improving security resilience.
• This marks Expel’s first managed services provider partnership, highlighting its commitment to expanding its partner ecosystem.
• Expel is a leading MDR provider with 24/7 coverage, and ivision is a technology consulting and managed services provider based in Atlanta.

Lock in on Cyber Security with ARCOA

• IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Manages the secure disposition of end-of-life IT equipment
• Data Destruction: Ensures sensitive data is completely erased from devices before disposal
• Asset Remarketing: Resells refurbished IT assets to maximize value recovery
• Recycling Services: Provides environmentally responsible recycling of electronics
• Compliance & Reporting: Offers documentation and reporting to meet regulatory standards
• Secure Logistics: Handles the safe transport of IT assets throughout the disposal process

Bell acquires tech services companies Stratejm and CloudKettle Inc., strengthening ...

• acquired Stratejm and CloudKettle, boosting its Professional and Managed Services in cybersecurity and Salesforce, respectively.
• acquisitions support Bell's aim to lead digital transformations and automation for medium and large organizations through cloud services.
• Based in Mississauga, Stratejm offers AI-driven Security-as-a-Service solutions, real-time threat detection, and a vendor-independent SOC2 Security Operation Centre.

• Halifax-based CloudKettle specializes in Salesforce enterprise implementation, integrating data and AI capabilities across various Salesforce products.
• These acquisitions enhance Bell's existing offerings, following the 2023 acquisition of FX Innovation, to provide comprehensive solutions for managing public and hybrid cloud environments.

Cybersecurity Notes

• Wayne Memorial Hospital of Pennsylvania was hit by the Monti ransomware gang and notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was stolen.
• Pinnacle Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Specialists of Georgia notified more than 500 patients that their PHI was stolen after ransomware attack.
• Pediatric Urology Associates of Brooklyn, NY, notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was stolen after dAn0N Hacker Group ransomware attack.
• Maryhaven Addiction Treatment Centers of Ohio notified 350,000 patients that their PHI was stolen after INC Ransom Group ransomware attack.
• Juniper Networks notified customers of security vulnerability with its Session Smart routers.
• Prudential Financial, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, notified 2.5 million customers that their info may have been exposed after data breach.
• Landmark Life Insurance, headquartered in Brownwood, TX, notified an unknown number of customers that their info was exposed after cyber attack.
• Infosys McCamish Systems, maker of insurance software, notified 6.08 million customers that their info may have been exposed after cyber attack.
• Venmo went down, leaving thousands of customers unable to make digital financial transactions, and unknown if any customer info was exposed.
• Health Equity, headquartered in Draper, Utah, notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Gaia Software, headquartered in Littleton, CO, a provider of electronic medical record and billing management software services to Americare Renal Center, notified 56,676 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services notified 19,150 Medicaid patients that their PHI was exposed after email phishing attack.
• Texas Retina Associates, headquartered in Dallas, TX, notified 312,000 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• SkinCure Oncology in Burr Ridge, IL, notified 13,434 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• OB GYN Specialists of Lima in Ohio have notified 1,100 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Human Technology, aka Greer Orthotics & Prosthetics or Murphy’s Orthopedic & Footcare, headquartered in Jackson, TN, notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Florida Department of Health notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after ransomware attack.
• Alabama State Department of Education and warning students and employees to monitor their credit in case their data was compromised.
• Louisiana Special School District notified an unknown number of students and employees that their info may have been exposed after cyber attack.
• ShinyHunters, a ransomware group, claims responsibility for recent high-profile data breaches:
• • Neiman Marcus
  • Truist Bank
  • Twilio Authy
  • Ticketmaster
• SouthCoast Health and Privia Medical Group of Georgia notified 32,835 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.

Welo Partners with the Managed Service Providers Association of America

• Partners with the Managed Service Providers Association of America (MSPAA) to enhance remote work for MSPs and their clients.
• Offers an immersive platform that replicates in-person office experiences, promoting interaction and connection among remote teams.
• MSPs can use Welo to provide branded virtual office spaces, including meeting rooms and collaborative areas, enhancing their service offerings.
• Partnership highlights Welo’s dedication to supporting MSPs with cutting-edge technology that fosters collaboration and productivity.
• Welo provides dynamic virtual office solutions designed to elevate the remote work experience beyond traditional video conferencing.
• The MSPAA supports and advances MSPs across the US, helping businesses connect with MSPs to meet their technology needs

Leading Healthcare Solutions Provider, Medicus IT, Announces Investment from FFL ...

• Medicus IT partners with FFL Partners, receiving significant investment to accelerate growth.
• provides HIPAA-compliant IT and cybersecurity services to over 6,500 healthcare providers across 30+ states.
• CEO Chris Jann emphasizes the partnership will enhance Medicus’ mCare services and expand their reach in the healthcare sector.
• FFL Partners' Jonathon Bunt highlights Medicus IT's healthcare expertise and cybersecurity capabilities as key factors in the investment.

Nokia to deliver full core network, security, and managed services to Norlys of Denmark with ...

Nokia to deliver full core network, security, and managed services to Norlys of Denmark with Red Hat OpenShift

• Deployment of Nokia's full 4G/5G packet core, IMS, and SDM solutions will enhance voice and data service quality and reliability for Norlys (Telia Denmark) subscribers.
• Nokia will secure the network infrastructure with its NetGuard security product portfolio to protect core network endpoints, privileged user access, and digital network identities.
• Nokia will also deliver a holistic service wrap entailing managed security, performance, and assurance services.

CamScanner Introduces Revolutionary CamScanner AI to Transform Scanned Documents into Interactive Conversations

• CamScanner has evolved from a document scanning app to a versatile platform, introducing CamScanner AI to enhance user interaction with scanned documents.
• app features industry-leading OCR capabilities, utilizing deep learning to improve text recognition accuracy, crucial for effective AI understanding.
• Users can engage in detailed conversations with the AI, asking questions and receiving insights from scanned documents, streamlining information retrieval.
• AI supports various use cases, including summarizing professional documents, extracting data for academic research, analyzing legal contracts, and providing translation services for travelers.
• introduction of AI technology significantly enhances document management, empowering users to transition from physical to interactive digital content seamlessly

Lexmark Again Named a Leader in Cloud Print Services by Quocirca

• named a leader in Cloud Print Services for 2024 by Quocirca, reinforcing its position in the market.
• company's cloud print services offer a range of features, including secure printing, device management, and cost control, catering to diverse business needs.
• continues to invest in technology and innovation, enhancing its offerings to meet evolving customer demands in the cloud printing landscape.
• recognition highlights Lexmark's dedication to customer satisfaction, providing robust support and service options to its clients.
• acknowledged as a leader positions Lexmark favorably for continued growth and leadership in the cloud print services sector.

Germany to ban fax

The federal parliament in the country of Germany, announced that it has gotten rid of fax machines

• ensured that all processes and tasks, for which fax machines had previously been used, can now be completely processed digitally
• "The fax machines were therefore dismantled in the past weeks."
• Staff ordered to remove all fax machines from property by no later than June 30, 2024.
• Remaining machines will be picked up by IT department employees in the coming days

Irving-Based IT Services Provider Zthernet Acquired by Nashville's CloudScale365

• Reported on iinovates.com
• Tennessee-based CloudScale365 has acquired Zthernet, expanding its presence in Texas markets like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
• Zthernet CEO Greg Hough views the partnership as an opportunity to leverage CloudScale365's resources, enhancing service delivery for clients.
• Zthernet's flat-fee managed IT services in network management and cybersecurity will complement CloudScale365's offerings.

51% of Cyberattacks in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) Sector Lead to Unplanned ...

• 76% of managed service providers (MSPs) experienced a cyberattack in the past year, closely aligned with the overall organizational average of 79%.
• Among attacked MSPs, 51% faced unplanned expenses, 31% suffered a loss of competitive edge, and 27% incurred compliance fines.
• User account compromises accounted for 49% of security incidents in the cloud, while 46% of on-premises attacks involved ransomware or malware, indicating a significant focus on these threats in the MSP sector.
• MSPs primarily use SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS solutions, which limits network-based security measures and makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks.
• MSPs are prime targets for ransomware due to their operational dependencies, which increase the likelihood of ransom payouts, highlighting the need for robust risk assessment and threat intelligence.

This Week in Copiers Fifteen Years Ago

Third Week of July 2009

Please visit FMD Distribution LLC and follow their Linkedin page

Real Copier Sales

As previously mentioned, the New Lanier East DSM (Tara Zailo), came from IKON where she was a Digital Support Rep and Trainer. In order to assume DSM responsibilities, she will need immediate training from her new counterparts. I look forward to observe her skill sets. She will handle TGI Office Automation, the RFG East Region's newest #1 revenue producing dealership after the loss of Comdoc...more here

Enjoy These awesome copiers threads from 15 Years Ago

“Self-command is the main discipline.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What this quote highlights are the importance of self-control and self-discipline as foundational elements for achieving personal goals and maintaining a balanced life.

It pinpoints mastering oneself as your emotions, impulses, and actions become crucial for overall discipline and success.

By controlling your own behaviors and how you respond to things, you can better navigate challenges, staying focused on your goals and dreams.

You can control the direction of your sales life.

One can control what they can control but you can't control what you can't control.

You have the power to influence the direction of your life through your decisions, actions, and mindset.

Check this out courtesy of the team at Farnam Street:

You don't control where you start, but you can change where you go.

Integrity is a choice.

Kindness is a choice.

Hard work is a choice.

Preparation is a choice.

Consistency is a choice.

Your attitude is a choice.

Your response is your choice.

The people you hang around with is a choice.

Changing your trajectory is a choice.

By being proactive and intentional, you can steer your life in the direction you desire.

Let's think about your sales career for a moment...

Prospecting is a choice.

The relationships you build with your clients is a choice.

The meaningful value you bring to your clients is a choice.

The inspirational experiences you bring to your clients is a choice.

The disciplined habits you bring to grow yourself and your career is a choice.

What choices are you making?

Self-discipline, it's as old as mankind.

The Stoics were big on the three disciplines of Desire, Action and Assent.

• Desire has to do with acceptance of our fate.
• Action has to do with the love of mankind.
• Assent has to do with mindfulness of our judgements.

Think about the Stoics as you reflect and answer the following:

• Where's your desire to succeed or have you accepted your sales fate?
• Where's your love for mankind, your clients?
• Are you being mindful and not casting judgement, especially with your clients?

Stoicism is a tool you can use to become better in your sales craft, better with your friends and better with people.

Please hear me out on this one, no and I mean no personal success, achievement or goal, can be realized without self-discipline. Hands down and singularly this is the most important attribute needed to achieve any type of personal or professional excellence.

Nothing happens overnight. It takes time to build muscle. It also takes time to develop self-discipline. The more you train and build it, the stronger you become.

"No man is free who is not master of himself."

Epictetus

This quote reinforces that self-discipline begins with the mastery of our thoughts.

If you don’t control what you think, you cannot control what you do. Motivation gets you going, discipline keeps you growing. This is why you can’t let externals determine whether something was worth it or not.

The key to your sales success lies within you.

There's no free ride to your sales success. There's no easy button to press. There's no quick tactic, tip or trick. Without disciplined work, dedication, an extreme tolerance for frustration and setbacks you'll struggle to become a sales champion.

Stop the sales suffering. An undisciplined mind is a terrible thing to waste.

If you desire sales success, and let's admit who doesn't, then you must be willing to take massive action. I'm concerned that far too many in sales lack the basic understanding of what’s necessary to become a sales professional.

Self-discipline is your core personal power. It’s the source of all other powers.

To quote, David Eagleman, the author of Incognito – The Secret Lives of the Brain,

"Our behavior is simply the result of the many battles between short-term and long-term desires in our brain. If that is the case, then self-discipline is your ability to choose the part of you that should win the battles that matter."

Exercise this power within your brain, and you strengthen it. You will have gained the fulfillment of knowing you're doing your best. Do this day after day, week over week and month over month, expressing the best there is in you, and you'll live with the calmness of having no regrets.

"Self-discipline is a form of self-regulation, self-control or self-mastery—it is the benevolent exercise of power within yourself. Like a good king/queen leading the country to a happier, desired future."

Giovanni Dienstmann

ADOPT SELF-DISCIPLINE, NOT EXCUSES

One of my favorite quotes is by Craig Groeschel,

"We can make excuses, or we can make progress but we can't make both."

By letting go of excuses, you open the path to progress and success.

Sales professionals combine self-discipline with no excuses to create sales betterment.

Sales professionals hold themselves personally and radically accountable. They hold themselves to a higher degree of standards than sales reps.

They have a no-excuse mentality. They don't point fingers when they fail to hit their sales plan. They simply do the things that sales reps find excuses not to do.

You see, excuses stunt sales growth. Excuses stunt relational growth. They're invented reasons you create to defend your behavior, to postpone taking action, or simply as a means of neglecting responsibility.

There are numerous reasons why salespeople make excuses.

Let's look at a few...

• Fear of failure
• Fear of success
• Fear of change
• Fear of uncertainty
• Fear of what others may have to say

Excuses are mainly a means of placing the blame of an internal problem on an external condition.

The roadmap to your success is based upon disciplined work, personal ownership, and practice.

Napoleon Hill went onto say,

"You need to acquire the habit of work and demonstrate personal initiative to get ahead in life. There is no benefit to procrastinating or performing mediocre work. Ideas are the beginning points of all fortunes, but it takes action to keep them alive."

Back in 1908, in a conversation between then Napoleon Hill and Andrew Carnegie, Hill went onto say, "I deduce that self-discipline is largely a matter of constructive habits. Is that the idea?".

Upon which Carnegie replied, "What a person is and what a person accomplishes both in failure and success is the result of that person's habits. Gaining control of these habits goes a long way toward the attainment of self-discipline."

My sales friends, that conversation took place well over 100 years ago and it's 100% applicable today.

The question now becomes what will you do about it? And when will you start?

SELF-DISCIPLINE REQUIRES A SHIFT IN MINDSET

“A disciplined mind leads to happiness, and an undisciplined mind leads to suffering.”

Dalai Lama

Sales professionals are business athletes.

What separates elite salespeople from the rest? I believe elite salespeople have a next level mindset.

Elite salespeople constantly challenge themselves. Are you?

Elite salespeople push themselves to practice. They pay attention to the little things on a consistent basis and continually focus on positive work habits. Can this be said about you?

Elite salespeople invest in their own growth by attending workshops, reading industry-related books, and seeking mentorship.

Elite salespeople regularly review their performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing new strategies to enhance their skills.

Elite salespeople have the ability to connect on a deeper level which helps to build trust and rapport, as they make their clients feel more comfortable and open to working with them.

Could you become more consistent in sales if you changed your mindset?

I believe changing your mindset can drastically improve your consistency in sales.

Here are a few mindset shifts to think about:

1. Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn and grow rather than setbacks.
2. Positive Thinking: Focus on positive outcomes and possibilities rather than dwelling on negative aspects or potential failures.
3. Client-Centric Approach: Prioritize understanding and meeting the needs of your clients, which can lead to better relationships and more consistent sales.
4. Continuous Learning: Stay open minded to learning new techniques, improving your skills, and adapting to changes in the market.

What would happen to your sales results with an improvement in your preparation, practice, and how you mentally prepared for sales day?

STOP LIVING A SALES LIE, DEVELOP DISCIPLINE

“Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don’t talk back.”

W. K. Hope

I'm throwing a stake in the ground on this one... There are salespeople out there who would rather get by with subpar work ethics, minimal levels of practice, coupled with entertaining themselves on social media, then wondering why their results continually have them in the sales management doghouse.

These salespeople consistently struggle to put in the extra effort to become more focused or more self-disciplined.

Folks, the secret to success is mental. The secret to success lies in your hands, and your actions, not in your mouth.

Do you have what it takes to take your sales career to the next level? Can you honestly put your actions where your mouth is? Are you willing to walk the walk?

Napoleon Hill said it the best,

"Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don’t control what you think, you can’t control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward."

The secret to sales success is quite simple to understand yet so difficult to consistently put into action.

Personal accountability becomes the glue that ties commitment to results.

Mark Mears is a #1 Best Selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader with an impressive track record of driving innovation and growth for major brands like PepsiCo, McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, JCPenney, NBCUniversal, and The Cheesecake Factory. As the Founder and Chief Growth Officer of LEAF Growth Ventures, LLC, Mark is dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and organizations reach their growth potential and make a positive impact. His latest book, "The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder," embodies his mission of purposeful growth. Mark is also a proud member of the Senior Leader Network within Conscious Capitalism, Inc.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Mark Mears introduces the revolutionary LEAF growth model: Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Fulfillment. He shares his insights on the importance of authenticity, trust, and building genuine relationships in modern sales. Learn how to create a sense of community and belonging in the workplace and discover strategies to enhance customer relationships through meaningful value exchange. This episode is packed with practical advice on moving from being a leader to a legacy builder, making a lasting impact in a trust-driven world.

Key Takeaways:

-The LEAF growth model: Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, Fulfillment.

-Importance of authenticity and trust in modern sales.

-Creating a community and sense of belonging in the workplace.

-Strategies for enhancing customer relationships through value exchange.

-Impact of emotional connections on sales and profitability.

Quotes:

"All it really is, is a value exchange. Authenticity and trust are crucial in building lasting relationships."

"There's a short distance between the heart and the mind in successful sales."

"Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Fulfillment—these elements intertwine to drive purposeful growth."

"Belonging is crucial. We're all in the people business, which means we're in the feelings business."

"Move from managing transactions to leading and building legacies with your team members."

Learn more about Mark Mears:

LinkedIn: / markamears

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:

Darrell's LinkedIn: / darrellamy

Larry's LinkedIn: / larrylevine1992

Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net/

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