NSITSP Spotlight: Steve Kazan (EP 820)
Steve Kazan, founder of Inner Onion and president of NSITSP, shares his journey from financial analyst to channel chief, offering practical advice for MSPs and international tech companies entering the U.S. market. Kazan emphasizes the long-term approach to success, the power of relationships, and how organizations like NSITSP are advocating for IT professionals.
Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Real Talk for IT Pros & MSPs) · Steve Kazan
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Show Notes
Uncle Marv sits down with Steve Kazan, founder and CEO of Inner Onion and current president of NSITSP. Steve shares his unique perspective on helping international tech companies break into the U.S. market and offers a wealth of wisdom for managed service providers (MSPs) looking to stand out and grow. Drawing on two decades of experience across sectors like cybersecurity, SaaS, AI, and IoT, Steve discusses the importance of strategic planning, building trust, and adapting to the fast-paced world of technology.
Listeners will hear Steve’s take on why so many international companies struggle to gain traction in the U.S.-and what separates the winners from those who fade away. He stresses the need for thorough planning, strong branding, and understanding U.S. business culture, especially for newcomers. The conversation also highlights the critical role of relationships, the challenges of staff turnover, and why a long-term mindset is essential for both vendors and MSPs.
Steve also opens up about his work with NSITSP, the push for greater professionalism in the IT industry, and the urgent issues facing MSPs, including state tax threats and cybersecurity funding cuts. He encourages MSPs to adopt codes of ethics, get involved in advocacy, and leverage the power of community to raise the bar for the entire industry.
List of Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned
- Inner Onion LLC: https://www.inneronion.com/
- NSITSP (National Society of IT Service Providers): https://nsitsp.org/
- CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): https://www.cisa.gov/
=== SPONSORS
- Premier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
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