Mind Your Channel Manners (MSP-Vendor Etiquette) EP 813
Uncle Marv pulls back the curtain on the realities of MSP billing and vendor etiquette, sharing candid stories from his own business and inviting the community to weigh in. From handling project billing disputes to navigating tricky vendor calls, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs—including a Florida Man story you won’t forget. Tune in for honest insights and actionable tips to help you run your IT business smarter.
Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs)
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Show Notes
This week, Uncle Marv flies solo and tackles two hot topics for IT professionals and managed service providers: the art of project billing and the often-unspoken rules of MSP vendor etiquette. He shares a real-life story about a recent office move, breaking down his approach to project billing and how he handles client confusion or pushback. Marv also opens up the floor to the community, encouraging listeners to participate in new surveys aimed at improving relationships between MSPs and vendors.
The conversation shifts to vendor etiquette, where Marv highlights both the frustrations and positive experiences that come with vendor interactions—whether it’s misleading sales calls or respectful follow-ups. He stresses the importance of mutual respect and clear communication on both sides of the channel. As always, the episode wraps up with a wild Florida Man segment, this time featuring a parody music video that manages to be both hilarious and educational.
Throughout the show, Marv keeps things candid, relatable, and interactive, inviting listeners to join the conversation, share their own stories, and help shape future episodes. Whether you’re a solo MSP or part of a larger team, there’s something here for everyone looking to improve their business and have a few laughs along the way.
List of Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned (with URLs)
- MSP Etiquette Survey: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/msp-survey/
- Vendor Etiquette Survey: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/vendor-survey/
- QuickBooks (product): https://quickbooks.intuit.com
- NSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers): https://www.nsitsp.org
- ASCII Edge: https://www.asciievents.com
- IT Nation: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation
- Florida Man “Moove Over”: https://tinyurl.com/3fk3m6d3
=== 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
=== Connect with Uncle Marv
🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast
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