Starting as a Managed Service Provider Today? What Would I do? (with Chris Wiser)

Key takeaways

Adopt a general contractor mindset and focus on managing relationships instead of performing every technical task in-house.
Outsource cybersecurity to a managed security operation center (SOC) to ensure effective protection against threats.
Focus on enhancing sales and marketing efforts to secure cash flow; profitability should be a primary goal.
Do not let clients dictate the terms of support; instead, educate them on security risks and the implications of inadequate IT practices.

Summary

Transforming MSP Mindset: The General Contractor Approach

In the podcast, Chris Wiser emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) from a typical service provider to that of a general contractor. This approach focuses on managing relationships rather than merely delivering technical services. Wiser highlights that MSPs should not be fixated on performing all technical tasks themselves; instead, they should be adept at organizing and coordinating the right resources for their clients. This includes outsourcing lower-tier technical support and establishing relationships with third-party vendors to enhance service delivery.

Importance of Cybersecurity: Outsourcing for Success

The podcast stresses the critical nature of cybersecurity and suggests that MSPs should outsource this responsibility. Wiser argues that many MSPs underestimate the complexity and weight of managing a secure environment and advises hiring a fully managed security operation center (SOC) instead. He notes that while it may seem feasible to handle cybersecurity in-house, it takes substantial expertise and resources, which could distract from the core business objectives.

Sales, Marketing, and Financial Growth

Wiser emphasizes that every MSP should concentrate on sales and marketing to ensure robust cash flow. He describes cash flow as the 'oxygen' for any business and encourages MSPs to think strategically about growth. This involves understanding that the ultimate goal is profitability and sustainability, reflecting on the relationship with clients, and not just focusing on technical support but also engaging clients in discussions about their financial security and IT investments.

Avoiding Common MSP Mistakes

The podcast details typical pitfalls faced by MSPs, particularly an overemphasis on the technical aspects of service delivery. Wiser warns that many MSPs allow clients to dictate support processes, which can compromise service quality and security measures. He urges MSPs to take the lead in educating clients about their cybersecurity needs and risks, ensuring that clients understand the implications of ignoring these requirements.

Show notes

If I were to start again as an MSP (Managed Service Provider) or IT Service Provider, this is exactly what I would do. I was able to scale my MSP, and have a profitable exit and now I want to share all my MSP marketing and sales lessons with you so you can learn from my mistakes.

POINTS TO TAKE NOTE OF:

00:00 What I would do today

01:48 The 3 actions to take today

02:36 Common Mistakes I see happen

Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fKdS0IorxhA

🌟 Find out how you stack up against other MSPs: https://7figuremsp.link/quizy

👉 Join us for our next marketing webinar here: https://7figuremsp.link/mktgiy

👉 Join us for our next sales webinar here: https://7figuremsp.link/stratiy

👉 If you want to talk to our team to learn how we can help you scale, book your call here: https://7figuremsp.link/booky

// OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR MSP GROW //

Find out how you stack up against other MSPs: https://7figuremsp.link/quizy

MSP Tech Stack Guide: https://7figuremsp.link/contractiy

MSP Contract Kit: https://7figuremsp.link/contractiy

Join us for our next live event: https://7figuremsp.link/liveiy J

oin our 0 to 10K Program: https://7figuremsp.link/zeroiy

// FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL //

Join us on Skool for more free training and community: https://7figuremsp.link/7figskooly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@7figuremsp