How MSPs and IT Providers Are Expanding Their Services with Compliance-as-a-Service

The Chicago Journal Staff on April 23, 2025

As the regulatory landscape grows increasingly complex, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service companies are under pressure to support clients with more than just technical infrastructure; they’re expected to help businesses navigate compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management as well. But for most MSPs, building a dedicated compliance division has been out of reach until now.

Enter Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS), powered by tools like CyberMap AI. This innovative platform allows MSPs and IT providers to offer full-service compliance solutions to their clients without the overhead of hiring in-house experts or cobbling together manual processes. By white-labeling or integrating CyberMap’s AI-powered compliance automation into their existing services, providers can unlock new recurring revenue streams, deepen client relationships, and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

At its core, CyberMap transforms traditional compliance into a scalable, automated offering. The platform streamlines everything from framework mapping (SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR, and more) to risk assessments, gap analysis, and audit-ready reporting. Instead of clients struggling to manage their compliance requirements solo or hiring expensive consultants, MSPs can step in as trusted partners, delivering value-added services with minimal lift.

For MSPs, this means increased client retention. Compliance is an ongoing need, not a one-time project. When a client relies on their provider for continuous monitoring, policy updates, and evidence generation, they’re far less likely to churn. CyberMap’s intuitive dashboard and real-time readiness tracking create a compelling, sticky experience—one that clients can’t easily replicate on their own.

Moreover, offering Compliance-as-a-Service helps MSPs future-proof their business. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and regulatory scrutiny tightens, companies of all sizes need help staying compliant. Whether it’s a startup preparing for a funding round or a SaaS provider expanding into new markets, compliance becomes a critical differentiator—and an area where MSPs can step in and lead.

What makes CyberMap especially appealing is its fractional Virtual Compliance Officer (vCCO) model. Rather than investing in full-time compliance hires, MSPs can tap into CyberMap’s pool of experts on an as-needed basis. This allows them to scale quickly and cost-effectively, offering premium advisory services without eating into their margins.

And thanks to CyberMap’s 1,000+ integrations via its GoCobalt partnership, MSPs can seamlessly plug compliance workflows into their clients’ existing tech stacks. From cloud environments to ticketing systems, the platform integrates where work is already happening, making adoption frictionless.

In a competitive industry where differentiation is key, Compliance-as-a-Service isn’t just another service add-on, it’s a strategic growth opportunity. With CyberMap, MSPs can lead the charge in a new era of managed compliance, helping clients stay secure, meet regulatory obligations, and build trust with partners and customers.

As businesses increasingly seek one-stop solutions for both IT and compliance, MSPs that embrace this shift will be better positioned to scale, retain clients longer, and capture higher-value contracts. CyberMap makes it possible and profitable to make compliance part of your core offering.

Learn more or request early access at www.cybermap.ai.

Leadership in Small Business: Perspectives on Success and Sustainability

The Chicago Journal Staff on April 23, 2025

By: Irwin Fleig

Leadership is often associated with high-powered executives in corporate boardrooms, but as Alex Cummins illustrates in The Leadership Route: How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, it is just as critical—if not more so—for small businesses. In an era of economic volatility and rapid change, the ability to lead effectively can make the difference between growth and stagnation, between resilience and collapse. Cummins reframes leadership not as a top-down command structure but as a mindset and practice that can (and should) be cultivated at all levels of an organization.

The Owner’s Perspective: Leading with Vision, Not Just Hustle

For small business owners, leadership often begins with vision. Entrepreneurs are typically the ones setting the course and making tough calls, especially when resources are limited and the pressure is high. According to Cummins, effective leaders in this context are not just tacticians; they’re visionaries who must define where the business is going and how to bring others along for the journey.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of clarity—clarity of values, purpose, and expectations. While it may feel natural for entrepreneurs to guard their ideas, Cummins suggests that involving the team early on in shaping that vision builds a deeper sense of ownership and engagement. “You can’t do it all alone,” he writes. “And you don’t need to.” Cultivating a supportive and empowered culture reduces the risk of burnout and multiplies the leader’s impact.

From Control to Empowerment: Decentralized Leadership in Practice

Many small businesses begin with centralized decision-making out of necessity—the founder knows the business best and is closest to daily operations. But as the business grows, this model becomes a bottleneck. Cummins stresses that transitioning to decentralized leadership is essential for sustained growth.

Rather than clinging to control, successful leaders communicate clear goals and values that empower others to act independently. This shift doesn’t just accelerate execution; it nurtures leadership at every level. Employees who understand the “why” behind decisions are more equipped—and more willing—to make aligned choices on their own. This trust-based model enhances innovation, speeds up response time, and deepens commitment.

The Employee’s View: Everyone Leads

Cummins challenges the traditional view that leadership is about title or tenure. “In a sense, you lead every time you act with integrity, take initiative, or help others grow,” he notes. The Leadership Route encourages everyone, regardless of formal role, to see themselves as capable of leadership.

For employees, this might mean mentoring a colleague, speaking up with new ideas, or simply embodying company values. In this way, leadership becomes a practice of influence, not control. It’s about modeling empathy, seeking feedback, and creating space for others to shine. Businesses that encourage this kind of distributed leadership foster more dynamic, engaged, and resilient teams.

The Customer’s Experience: Ethical Leadership Builds Loyalty

Leadership also shapes how businesses show up in the world—and customers notice. Cummins makes a strong case that ethical, inclusive leadership is a business advantage. While large corporations may follow corporate social responsibility mandates out of obligation, small businesses have the chance to embed ethical values at the very core of their culture.

Customers are increasingly loyal to brands that align with their personal values. Transparency, fairness, and community involvement are not just “nice to haves”—they are strategic assets. Leaders who model integrity and openness build trust, and trust fuels long-term customer relationships and sustainable growth.

Navigating Rapid Growth: From Doer to Enabler

Startups often experience fast, sometimes overwhelming, growth. Cummins advises that as teams expand, founders and managers must evolve from “doers” into “enablers.” This shift means spending less time micromanaging and more time supporting others to take the lead.

Even as the structure becomes more complex, strong leaders protect the startup’s original spirit by modeling the behaviors and values that defined its early days. The faster a business scales, the more grounded its leadership must become. “The more you grow, the more you need to lift,” Cummins explains.

Everyday Leadership: It’s Not About the Title

Perhaps one of the most powerful elements of The Leadership Route is its message that leadership is not about position—it’s about intention and practice. Cummins aims to dispel several common myths about leadership, including the idea that it requires dominance, charisma, or always having the right answers.

True leadership, he argues, is often quiet and collaborative. It’s about creating an environment where others feel safe to contribute, take risks, and grow. It means admitting mistakes, being open to feedback, and influencing rather than controlling.

Leadership, he says, is not about being in the spotlight—it’s about creating the spotlight for others.

Developing Leadership at Any Stage

Leadership is not innate—it can be developed. Professionals at any career stage can begin by adopting practical habits: listening with empathy, communicating clearly, responding with curiosity rather than judgment. By practicing humility, seeking mentorship, and lifting others, individuals build leadership capacity within themselves and their organizations.

And for small business owners, investing in leadership—whether through training, mentoring, or even simple peer feedback—is one of the best ways to ensure long-term resilience. It’s not about having all the answers, but about cultivating a team that can adapt, solve problems, and lead alongside you.

Conclusion: A Call to Rethink Leadership

The Leadership Route presents a refreshing and deeply practical roadmap for small business leadership. It redefines leadership as something shared, inclusive, and deeply human—anchored not in hierarchy but in values, communication, and action.

Whether you’re a business owner, a team member, or simply someone who wants to grow, Cummins’ message is clear: leadership is not a title. It’s a practice. And in today’s unpredictable world, embracing that practice might just be a powerful competitive edge a small business can have.

Buy your copy of The Leadership Route: How Different Approaches to Management Can Shape a Leader, and start reading today!

Published by Mark V.

Net Worth by Age: A Consideration for Retirement and Business Planning

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on April 23, 2025

Net worth is an important measure of financial health, representing the difference between what one owns and what one owes. It serves as a reflection of both the accumulation of wealth and the liabilities that may be limiting financial growth. As individuals age, their net worth typically evolves in line with personal financial decisions, career developments, and life changes. The relationship between net worth and age plays a significant role in long-term financial planning, particularly when preparing for retirement or managing a business. This article explores the relationship between net worth and age and offers insights on how it relates to both retirement and business planning.

The Progression of Net Worth Across Life Stages

Throughout life, individuals’ financial circumstances often change, influencing the trajectory of their net worth. While the pace of growth or decline may vary, there are typical trends that most people experience, especially as they move through key stages of life, such as early adulthood, mid-life, and retirement.

Early Adulthood (20s and 30s)

During the early stages of adulthood, net worth is often relatively low or even negative. This is primarily due to student loans, mortgages, and other forms of debt, which are common among young adults. At this age, many individuals are focused on career-building and achieving financial independence, but significant savings or investment assets are often limited.

Despite these financial challenges, early adulthood is also a crucial time for establishing good financial habits. Small steps, such as setting up retirement accounts or contributing to an emergency fund, can provide the foundation for future wealth accumulation. Over time, as debts are reduced and career earnings increase, individuals may see their net worth grow, particularly if they have started saving and investing early.

Middle Adulthood (40s and 50s)

In their 40s and 50s, individuals often experience a shift in their financial trajectory. During this period, earning potential typically peaks, and many people begin to accumulate more significant assets. By this stage, debts like student loans or car loans may have been paid off, and mortgages may be closer to being settled. This can contribute to an increase in net worth, as liabilities decrease and income rises.

Moreover, retirement savings that have been built up over the years may be a more substantial portion of total assets, and investments in the stock market or real estate may have started to generate returns. However, this stage of life can also introduce new financial pressures, such as saving for children’s education or dealing with increased healthcare costs. These expenses can sometimes limit the ability to save or invest as much as desired, potentially slowing the growth of net worth.

Pre-Retirement and Retirement (60s and Beyond)

As individuals approach retirement, net worth typically reaches its highest point, assuming that there has been consistent saving, investing, and the reduction of liabilities over the years. By this time, many people have fully paid off their mortgages and other major debts. Their retirement savings and investments, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and other assets, may form a large portion of their net worth.

However, as retirement approaches, the focus shifts from accumulation to preservation. Individuals must consider how their accumulated wealth will support them in retirement, which may include adjusting their investment strategy to ensure a stable income stream. At this stage, withdrawals from retirement accounts often become the primary source of income, and managing these withdrawals is important to ensure that the funds last through retirement.

Net Worth’s Role in Retirement Planning

Net worth is a critical element of retirement planning, as it directly impacts an individual’s ability to retire comfortably. The primary goal in retirement planning is to ensure that there is enough saved and invested to support one’s lifestyle when employment income is no longer available. A clear understanding of net worth—and how it changes over time—can help individuals make more informed decisions about when to retire and how to maintain financial security throughout retirement.

The Importance of Early Saving and Investing

Starting to save and invest for retirement as early as possible plays a key role in building wealth over the long term. The earlier an individual begins contributing to retirement accounts, the more time those investments have to grow. Compounding returns from investments can significantly increase the value of retirement savings, particularly when contributions are consistent over time.

While the amount saved in the first few years of an individual’s career may seem modest, even small contributions can make a difference in the long run. By consistently saving and investing, individuals can build a larger nest egg, which will be crucial in supporting them during retirement.

Managing Investment Growth and Risk

As individuals approach retirement, managing investment growth becomes increasingly important. The strategy may shift from prioritizing growth to focusing on stability and preserving capital. However, it is still important for individuals to ensure that their investments are working to generate income, particularly through diversified portfolios that include a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets.

The risk tolerance of an individual often decreases as they approach retirement, meaning they may reduce exposure to high-risk investments such as stocks in favor of more conservative options like bonds or cash. While this can help reduce the risk of major losses, it can also limit potential growth. Striking the right balance between risk and stability is important for ensuring that retirement savings continue to grow while also protecting them from significant market fluctuations.

Sustainable Withdrawal Strategies

Once retirement begins, individuals need a clear strategy for withdrawing funds from their retirement accounts. The goal is to ensure that assets are drawn down in a sustainable way, allowing funds to last throughout retirement. A common strategy involves withdrawing a small percentage of the total value of retirement savings each year—often around 3% to 4%—to ensure that the funds will not be depleted too quickly.

The approach to withdrawals should be based on individual circumstances, including life expectancy, lifestyle needs, and any additional income sources, such as Social Security or pensions. Developing a sustainable withdrawal strategy is essential for maintaining net worth and ensuring that resources are available throughout retirement.

Other Income Sources in Retirement

While retirement savings may form the largest part of an individual’s net worth during retirement, additional income sources can supplement these savings. Social Security benefits, pensions, rental income, and dividends from investments are just a few examples of income streams that can provide financial support during retirement.

Social Security, in particular, serves as a foundational income source for many retirees. The timing of when to begin receiving Social Security benefits can have a significant impact on the total benefits received. Delaying Social Security benefits until a later age can increase the monthly payout, which may be an important consideration for those who want to ensure a steady income throughout retirement.

Business Planning and Net Worth

For business owners, net worth is not solely tied to personal assets. It also reflects the value of their business. A business may represent a significant portion of an individual’s overall wealth, and its performance can heavily influence personal finances. Understanding the relationship between personal net worth and the business can provide business owners with a clearer picture of their overall financial situation.

Business Assets and Liabilities

A business owner’s personal net worth is often closely tied to the financial health of the business. The value of the business—whether through profits, property, or intellectual property—can contribute to an individual’s net worth. However, business owners also carry liabilities, such as business loans or operational debts, which must be accounted for when calculating total wealth.

To protect personal net worth, business owners should consider managing business debt, ensuring cash flow stability, and growing the value of the business over time. As the business grows, its value can increase, thereby positively affecting the owner’s personal net worth.

Business Succession Planning

For those planning to transition out of their business, succession planning becomes essential. A well-structured business succession plan helps ensure the smooth transfer of ownership and management responsibilities, whether the business is passed on to family members or sold to a third party.

Business owners should also consider the tax implications of selling or transferring ownership of the business. Proper planning can minimize the impact of taxes and ensure that the owner’s net worth is preserved during the transition.

Adjusting Financial Strategies Over Time

As individuals age and experience different life stages, their financial strategies should evolve accordingly. Adjusting asset allocation, savings goals, and investment strategies can help individuals better manage net worth and work toward their long-term financial objectives. Financial decisions that are made in early adulthood can influence wealth accumulation in mid-life and can set the stage for a stable retirement.

Reevaluating financial goals regularly and adapting strategies in response to changing circumstances allows individuals to stay on track toward achieving a secure financial future. Whether in retirement planning, business management, or personal finances, net worth by age serves as a valuable tool for guiding financial decisions. Understanding how it progresses over time, and considering the role it plays in both retirement and business planning, can help individuals make informed, intentional choices that support long-term wealth accumulation.

Matteo Ferretti Shares Spynn’s Journey from Startup to Global PR Innovator

The Chicago Journal Staff on April 23, 2025

By: Miles Qiao

Matteo Ferretti sits comfortably in his chair as he leads a PR agency that aims for media placement. Like a maestro who decided the orchestra wasn’t playing the right tune, Ferretti has redefined the symphony of public relations, leaving traditional PR firms struggling to keep pace with the new rhythm.

Breaking the Pitch Cycle

“I would have started Spynn 10 years ago,” Ferretti muses, reflecting on the flaws in traditional PR models. “Clients are often stuck paying monthly fees with uncertain results. I knew this wasn’t the most effective model for many companies.”

The PR industry has long operated on a model that feels almost medieval in its approach: pitch, pray, and pay. Companies hire PR firms, who then pitch stories to journalists, hope for coverage, and continue collecting monthly retainers regardless of results. This system worked when there were fewer media gatekeepers and businesses had fewer options.

Today’s digital industry tells a different story, with the global public relations market projected to grow to $112.98 billion in 2025. Innovators like Ferretti are challenging older models.

Spynn’s approach is as unconventional as Ferretti’s career trajectory. Rather than pitching and hoping, the firm focuses on securing publication on high-authority platforms such as Forbes, Entrepreneur.com, and Bloomberg. It’s a bold approach in an industry built on possibilities.

The Guaranteed Revolution

COVID-19 triggered a reckoning for traditional PR firms. Businesses tightened budgets and began questioning the value of paying for possibilities rather than certainties.

“When COVID-19 hit, we saw a shift of clients from traditional publicists to our unique model, which focuses on securing publication of news stories without traditional pitching,” explains Ferretti.

This migration wasn’t just a pandemic-induced anomaly—it was the market signaling a shift in expectations. Results can now be measured in clicks, impressions, and conversions. The handshake agreements and “we’ll do our best” promises of yesterday’s PR firms began to feel as outdated as fax machines.

Spynn’s model is direct and simple: bypass the pitching step entirely and publish directly on clients’ preferred news sites through an extensive network of journalist connections. They skip the line at an exclusive club because they know the bouncers—except these bouncers guard the gates to some of the world’s most prestigious publications.

From Bedroom to Boardroom

The journey from startup to disruptor wasn’t paved with gold. Ferretti’s entrepreneurial tale began in humble surroundings.

“Four years ago, I was broke, cold-calling from a rented bedroom, desperately trying to find my first few clients,” he reveals.

Today, Spynn stands as a formidable presence in the global PR landscape, with access to over 400 publications and having received 16,000 inquiries since its launch. The firm has published 1,500 features and reported an impressive 83% annual revenue increase in 2023, earning recognition among the leading global PR firms alongside industry giants like Edelman and FleishmanHillard.

This rapid rise isn’t just about having a clever business model—it’s about understanding a fundamental truth about modern business: trust and credibility are the currencies of the digital age.

The SEO Advantage

Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being found. Spynn’s approach harnesses the power of high domain authority links from respected publications, enhancing clients’ SEO rankings and rapidly increasing their visibility.

This strategy transforms public relations from a soft, hard-to-measure marketing expense into a tangible asset with clear ROI. One success story involves a business that soared from inception to $30 million in top-line revenue within just two years—an example of the transformative potential of Spynn’s approach.

Digital PR services have evolved beyond simple media relations to encompass a comprehensive online presence and reputation management strategy. Ferretti recognized this shift early, positioning Spynn at the intersection of traditional PR values and modern digital requirements.

The Future of PR Is Measurable

Traditional PR firms have long operated in a measurement vacuum, relying on vague metrics like “impressions” and “reach” to justify their existence. They are like a doctor telling you that you are generally healthy without taking your temperature or checking your blood pressure.

Spynn’s model introduces accountability to an industry that has historically avoided it. By guaranteeing placements, they have set a new standard for what clients should expect. “At Spynn, we go beyond conventional methods in public relations. We strive to challenge the norm and discover innovative ways to create impactful campaigns for our clients,” says Ferretti.

The Credibility Currency

Credibility has become a key differentiator in a world flooded with content. When everyone has a platform, being featured in established publications carries more weight than ever.

Spynn’s focus on helping clients get featured in Forbes and other prestigious outlets is about taking full advantage of the trust these publications have built over decades. Third-party endorsement from a respected source is worth its weight in valuable digital currency in the attention economy.

This understanding of credibility as currency has allowed Spynn to create a model that delivers what clients truly want: visibility and validation.

The Human Element

The human element remains crucial despite PR’s digital transformation. The relationships between brands, media, and audiences are still fundamentally human connections, even when facilitated through digital channels.

Spynn’s success, apart from guaranteeing placements, lies in understanding the stories that resonate with specific audiences. They recognize the difference between being published and being read—between checking a box and making an impact.

The Next Chapter

Ferretti shares his vision for the future: “We aim to continue evolving and breaking barriers, to redefine the future of public relations, one story at a time.” Spynn’s current strategies set itself to continue leading this change.

Traditional firms cling to outdated models while innovators like Spynn forge new paths. The situation mirrors the moment Netflix began streaming while Blockbuster continued renting DVDs—a fundamental shift in how value is delivered.

Ferretti’s most powerful message may be the one he’s sending to his competitors: adapt or become as relevant as yesterday’s news. His industry was built on communication, but yesterday might as well be ancient history in the fast-moving world of media.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee any specific results. While the content reflects the views and experiences shared by the author, individual outcomes may vary. No promises or warranties are made regarding the effectiveness of the strategies or approaches mentioned. Always seek professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any decisions based on the information provided.

Published by Joseph T.