Decoding the Tech World with Dave Sobel of Business of Tech Podcast

Listen And Share This Software Spotlight Podcast

Watch And Share This Software Spotlight Podcast

Dave Sobel, host of The Business of Tech podcast, shares insights on running a successful tech podcast and MSP. Discover the secrets behind delivering valuable content, analyzing trends, and helping IT service providers thrive. From cybersecurity to AI, Dave covers the most important topics shaping the tech services industry. Tune in for expert advice on staying effective, profitable, and relevant.

Dave Sobel tech insights

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the tech world? Dave Sobel, host of the popular “Business of Tech” podcast, recently gave listeners an inside look during his interview on the Software Spotlight podcast with Michael Bernzweig.

As someone with over a decade of experience owning an IT solution provider and managed service provider (MSP), Dave has unique insights into the latest news, trends, and strategies shaping the tech industry. His passion for technology and helping others succeed in the field shines through in every episode.

Tech expert Dave Sobel shares insights on Software Spotlight podcast.
Learn from Dave Sobel's journey as an MSP owner and podcast host.

From Software Developer to MSP Owner

Dave's journey into the world of tech services began with a computer science degree from William & Mary. He shared his humble beginnings working for startups in software development and implementations:

“If you'd asked college Dave what he'd be doing, I would have said, oh, I'm going to be a product person. Like I'm going to build products.”

However, after being laid off on Valentine's Day 2002, Dave made a pivotal decision that would change the course of his career:

“The lesson I learned from that was, well, the bosses keep their jobs. And I sort of quit and I said, you know what, I'm going to try my hand at this.”

Instead of pursuing product development, Dave ventured into tech services, building a firm focused on delivering technology solutions to small businesses – before the term “managed service provider” was even coined.

Becoming a Tech Services Expert

For over a decade, Dave's MSP business thrived, earning multiple awards and recognition, including being a finalist for Microsoft's Worldwide Partner of the Year. After selling his company in 2011, he joined software firms serving MSPs, leading community, marketing, and product strategies.

This diverse experience gave Dave a comprehensive understanding of the tech services landscape from multiple angles – as a business owner, vendor partner, and industry expert.

In 2019, he launched the “Business of Tech” podcast to share his insights and analysis on a larger scale, helping others stay effective, profitable, and relevant.

Keeping a Pulse on the Tech World

When asked about his process for selecting news stories and trends to cover, Dave explained:

“I read a ton of news. I read, you know, several hundred into the thousands of news sources every day as part of it. This is all I do. This is all I do is I'm, and I say, well, what would I want to know from running my business?”

Dave curates the most important information through the lens of his decades of experience, providing value to listeners by highlighting what truly matters in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Engaging with the Tech Community

In addition to scouring news sources, Dave actively engages with his audience and the broader tech community to shape his content. He has a Patreon where supporters can directly provide feedback, holds a live show for listener questions, and participates in online forums to understand the topics that resonate most.

“I look to sort of say like, what's important. And then the final thing is, I spend a lot of time listening to this community. I'm in all of their online forums, like lurking and listening and processing and saying, like, well, what are they talking about?”

This connection to his listeners ensures the “Business of Tech” podcast remains relevant and addresses the real challenges faced by those in the tech services industry.

Insights into the Latest Tech Trends

During the interview, Dave shared his perspectives on some of the hottest topics in tech, including:

  • The cost-saving benefits of GDPR compliance in reducing data usage and storage
  • New research on IT salary and compensation packages, highlighting the competitive advantage of remote work policies
  • The resurgence of ransomware groups like Lockbit and the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity basics
  • The potential disruption of traditional computing models through ambient computing and spatial technology
  • The rapid adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT and the need to prepare for their impact on businesses

Dave's ability to analyze these complex issues through the lens of an experienced tech professional provides listeners with a nuanced, practical understanding of how these trends may shape the future of the industry.

Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs

When asked what advice he would give someone looking to start an MSP business, Dave emphasized the importance of focusing on business value and productivity over just technical tools:

“Don't come in thinking you're going to do basics of patch management and network setup and stuff like that. That is important and needs to be done, but it's no longer the entry point value.”

He encouraged newcomers to build their practice around optimizing productivity layers like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, solving real business challenges, and driving efficiency for clients.

The Future of Tech Services

Looking ahead, Dave sees AI as a dominant force shaping the tech services industry over the next three years. He also anticipates cybersecurity remaining a constant threat requiring ongoing vigilance.

However, Dave is particularly intrigued by the potential disruption of traditional computing models through ambient computing and spatial technology, which could fundamentally change how we interact with devices and services.

As the tech world continues evolving at a breakneck pace, Dave Sobel's “Business of Tech” podcast promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

FAQ

What makes the “Business of Tech” podcast unique?

The “Business of Tech” podcast is hosted by Dave Sobel, a tech industry veteran with over a decade of experience owning an MSP business. Dave provides unique insights from his diverse background as a business owner, vendor partner, and industry expert.

How does Dave select the news stories and trends to cover?

Dave curates the most important information by reading hundreds of news sources daily and engaging directly with his audience and the broader tech community to understand their biggest challenges and areas of interest.

What are some of the key tech trends Dave discussed during the interview?

Dave shared his perspectives on topics like the benefits of GDPR compliance, new research on IT salaries and remote work, the resurgence of ransomware threats, the potential of ambient computing, and the rapid adoption of AI tools.

What advice did Dave offer for aspiring tech entrepreneurs?

Dave encouraged newcomers to focus on building their practice around optimizing productivity layers and solving real business challenges, rather than just technical tools and infrastructure management.

What does Dave see as the future of the tech services industry?

Dave believes AI will dominate over the next three years, while cybersecurity will remain an ongoing threat. He's also intrigued by the potential disruption of ambient computing and spatial technology.

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