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Tag: ‘HTG Summit’

Live Webcasting and MSPU – Success Squared

We find our band of troubadours fresh off the heels of HTG Summit in Dallas and prepping for WPC in July. Does that leave any room to help others in the internet delivered video arena?  Of course it does.

The Varvid team recently returned from a triumphant excursion to Southern California for the live webcasting of MSPU’s Boot Camp in Santa Ana. Here’s the quick overview of what MSP University offers.  Whether you’re a Managed Services startup, or a $100 million dollar a year Managed Services Provider, Managed Services Provider University has the resources and the experience to help you improve your IT business by decreasing costs and increasing revenue.

Aaron at the helm...

Not only did Varvid stream live from the event, they were on site to record a myriad of classes for the MSPU catalog, available exclusively to MSPU clients. Some of the topics that were discussed included Sales 101, Marketing, Service Delivery and CEO Tracks. Now if you didn’t get the chance to attend this Boot camp, not to worry. They offer these all over the nation.

In a nutshell, MSPU provides MSP’s the opportunity to continue to learn the ins & outs of this industry. Visit their site for more details and to learn more about this incredible organization.

A special thanks to the Varvid crew on hand for this stellar event; Traci, Trevor & Jeremy really stepped up to the plate and took charge.  And what can we say about “King” Aaron? Simply put, he is the reason Varvid continues to be an industry leader in internet delivered video, from event coverage and webcasting to client testimonials and case studies.

Varvid Crew on the Road

It’s been a couple weeks since our incredible journey to HTG 2010 Summit in Dallas and our video shoot in College Station/Bryan with the AgniTEK team.  After going over my notes and emails I’d like to share a couple of thoughts and observations from the ”newbie” POV:

Christy, Ken and and the Info Desk Crew

1. The organizational staff with HTG is completely top-shelf. Arlin, Scott, Ken and Christy are incredible human beings who are extremely generous with their time and talents and help those around them reach their true potential. (Note: Christy “fired” me with a smile 10 minutes upon my arrival in Dallas.  Ask her about it sometime.)

2. HTG Peers are embracing the “go-giver” attitude in ways I have never seen an organization members do.  EVER. This peer group is destined for greatness on many levels, both as a group and individually.

From Dallas to College Station with a lapfull of rubber.

3. Don’t try and save a couple bucks when renting a car to haul gear from Dallas to College Station. I mean no disrespect to my boss (the one who signs my checks) but a spare tire on your lap for long car ride leaves you smelling like the Michelin Man and unable to use your legs for 13 minutes and 43 seconds. While I love the Grand Marque, I’ll gladly pay the extra 20 or so for the van upgrade and pitch in on the gas.

Ribs & Brisket with Fried Okra & Slaw... yummy!

4. If you’re ever near Bryan or College Station in Texas, stop by the Martin’s Place for some yummy and very cost effective BBQ, but make sure you wear something you don’t mind smells like smoke for the next couple days. And don’t try to get through airport customs with a zip-lock bag full of ribs and sausage… that dog was on me like… well, a dog on meat.

5. Jamison West is the man. A real-life “go to guy”. Period.

6. ConnectWise, Quosal, Ulistic and JoomConnect are going to be some partners we’ll walk with during this journey.  We’re honored to have such guests along this early part of the path. We may stumble, but it’s good to know you are there.

Antonio and David, the heart and brains of AgniTEK.

7. Take time to get to know your clients,  I spent a lot of time with the crew at AgniTEK in Bryan. David and Antonio have built one of the smoothest operations I’ve ever witnessed. Friendly staff, knowledgeable team and-on top of that-their clients wouldn’t stop saying great things about them on and off camera.

It’s been a month or so since we all came together in the same room, working on common goals and I must say… this team is really starting to gel.  Aaron and I are working with clients, Mike is in his cave editing all the footage he shot, and Bryce keeps the wheels on by doing all the HR/PM stuff. I am really excited about the potential of this company.  Now to get the processes in place and really help our clients succeed.  We are ready to rock it. Are you?

Christy Sacco at HTG Summit in Dallas 2010


Christy Sacco, Director of Operations HTG Peer groups, chats with Drew Graham from Varvid at HTG 2010 Summit in Dallas. She details her roles with this IT organization and the overall success of this years event. With a  great response from vendors and attendance from members at 95%, HTG staffers are thrilled. The focus remains on quality and accountability for both members and vendors.

Arlin Sorensen at the HTG Summit in Dallas 2010

HTG Founder & CEO Arlin Sorensen talks with Varvid’s Aaron Booker at HTG 2010 Summit in Dallas about HTG’s vision session. Arlin says it’s all about going back to the basics. He says HTG members will focus on business and personal growth, driven by execution and the “four plan”. Arlin also announced that HTG will cap it’s total membership at 250, allowing them to go deeper with current membership. Celebrating 10 years as an organization and living the “Go Giver” way has paid off, says Sorensen.

Mike Nobers from Zenith Infotech at HTG Dallas 2010

Mike Nobers from Zenith Infotech chats with Varvid’s Drew Graham at the HTG 2010 Summit in Dallas. As an IT managed services and back up and disaster recovery provider, working with the HTG organization continues to impress Mike. Why? Because they work not as competitors, but together. New releases in the future for Zenith Infotech include cloud computing and view telepresence.

Ricky Ayers from WorkSmart at HTG Dallas 2010


WorkSmart CFO Ricky Ayers chats with Aaron Book of Varvid at the HTG 2010 Summitt in Dallas. Ricky explains how WorkSmart, a managed IT service provider, came to be. The strength of the HTG Peer Group, according to Ayers, is the amount of knowledge in the room. Every member adds a invaluable element to the dynamic of the group.

David Ohendalski from AgniTEK at HTG Dallas 2010

David Ohendalski from AgniTEK talks with Aaron Booker of Varvid during the HTG 2010 Summit in Dallas. As a managed IT provider, AgniTEK looks to focus on growing into the health care and financial industries. At HTG Summit, marketing was foremost on his mind and the use of both professional and novice videos on his website and social media platforms was top of the list.

Stuart Crawford from Ulistic at HTG Dallas 2010

Aaron Booker of Varvid talks to Stuart Crawford, who recently retired from active IT service duty to form Ulistic with David West caught up with Varvid’s Aaron Booker to discuss the new things he has going on with Search Engine Optimization, Online Marketing and Social Media Consulation. Stuart announced his new services to HTG members this week, if you need a blog, help with social media and general online marketing consulting, give Stuart a shout today 403.775.2205.

Varvid talks with Christy Sacco about HTG Summit

Christy filled us in on some of the challenges of organizing a huge peer conference and some of the rewards too.

Speed Dating with Microsoft


Speed Dating with Microsoft at HTG Summit – Response Point, Windows 7, Local Engagement, and more.