Build a Better MSP - Blog | Humanize Podcast (2)

2 min read

MSP Culture

By Adam Walter on May 31, 2022

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2NHRRDl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AyHCUd
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Mmv2chhxpv0

The role of an MSP has changed a lot over the years. You aren’t just fixing personal computers, you’re strategizing, leading and giving technology advice for businesses of all sizes. Today, we’re talking about how MSPs have evolved and what the real differences are between corporate and MSP culture.

With corporate work, you are doing the same job every day. In the MSP world, you’re fixing something new or solving a different problem every day. That leads to a very different experience for people in those two areas of work. Neither are bad, but the culture is very specific for each.

You definitely still fix stuff in the corporate world, but it’s more stable and less exciting. For MSPs, you have so much experience and you’re constantly learning new things. Most corporate workers will learn one system, use it every day and get really good at it. Nothing new generally comes up because the system runs seamlessly. In a corporate environment, you will learn the most in the first 6-12 months because new tech is rarely introduced. If you’re interested in getting very familiar and deep into one topic instead of spreading out among a wide variety of topics then corporate work is for you.

If that does not sound exciting and you’re driven to learn and understand, then the MSP world is for you. This world is full of new technologies but also rich with various types of companies that you get to work with. Doctor’s offices, schools, ice cream shops—you name it! Everyone needs help understanding how technology could help their business.

The thing about the MSP world is that it can be stressful. Where the corporate world is more stable and comfortable, the MSP world is full of new tech, constantly learning, asking lots of questions and evolving. The culture is fast-paced and MSPs love that! If you want a more relaxed setting, then the corporate world is for you. If you can handle the stress and are not trying to make top dollar, then the MSP world is probably pretty attractive for you.

Another part of culture is employee retention—your employees should be happy with their work! What the corporate world has to keep in mind is replacing people is expensive. Keep your employees around by making sure they have what they need and are giving them new or exciting projects to work on. MSPs have to keep in mind that, when hiring new employees, you can’t hire a unicorn. There is not going to be someone that will exactly fit the role of the previous employee, so don’t judge them based on the past employee’s experience.

It has been cool to watch the MSP culture and role change from simply fixing computers to transitioning into digital advisers and strategists. And for corporate workers, figure out how to keep your employees challenged and growing in the corporate world.

Topics: IT Management MSP Humanize Podcast

2 min read

Why are you in Tech?

By Adam Walter on May 16, 2022

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2NHRRDl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AyHCUd
Youtube: https://youtu.be/ArFI83D0yUE

Topics: Managed Services Providers IT Management Humanize Podcast

2 min read

Are you a bad MSP?

By Adam Walter on May 2, 2022

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2NHRRDl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AyHCUd

In your job, you most likely assume that you’re doing well. Why wouldn’t you? But, if most people think they’re performing well, how do we actually gauge that and test performance? It’s really easy to talk about what makes a good MSP, and that’s generally what we like to focus on. This is a touchy subject, but one that can really benefit you in your pursuit to be a great MSP. So, let’s get started with how to see if you are a good or bad MSP!

The first thing to look at within your MSP is client retention. If your clients are only staying with you because of an iron-clad agreement, then you may have a problem. If you’re only keeping clients because you’re the cheapest bid in town, that is also a red flag. You should be offering a value to your clients that would make them want to stay with you, no matter what. Client retention should not come from force or a constant effort on your part to convince them to stay.

If you can provide an easy out for your clients and they choose to stay, then you’re doing well. We always stress conversations with your clients, and this is a great way to talk about your value and what you provide for them. You shouldn’t have to beg them to stay!

The next thing you should dive into is whether you are continuously improving. If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Essentially, continuous improvement is the cornerstone of what makes you a good MSP. Do you know if you are operating better than you were last year? Do you have the metrics to analyze to see that growth? If you haven’t improved or don’t have ways to track data, then you’re a bad MSP.

If you answered no to the following questions, it probably doesn’t feel like you’re doing badly. Generally, a lack of improvement happens from ignorance or pride. The best thing to do is identify what could be improved within your organization. It doesn’t have to be monumental changes—just small steps that will help you grow in the long run.

The third and final metric is whether your clients are in your lane. Basically, are your clients looking for the type of MSP that you are providing when looking at both services and culture.

People are always looking for different things, and there are a ton of options for MSPs. The thing to look at is what you are providing your clients. Do those services line up with what your client truly needs? If so, great! But, if not, it is time to refer them to another MSP that will align with them better.

Let’s say you work really well with schools, and that is your niche. Almost all of your clients come to you knowing that and looking for high-quality services that might cost a bit more but will align with the education field. If a hospital comes to you looking for the cheapest option, chances are they are not going to be a good fit for you. As a good MSP, you would refer them to another agency that will be able to serve them best.

Use metrics—customer retention, continuous improvement and whether you align with your clients—to test whether you’re a good MSP. If you aren’t, then it’s not too late to improve in each of these areas! If you are doing well, then maximize those skills!

Topics: IT Sales Person Managed Services Providers Humanize Podcast

2 min read

Sales vs Engineering

By Adam Walter on Apr 25, 2022

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2NHRRDl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AyHCUd

Topics: IT Management IT Sales Humanize Podcast

2 min read

2022 Book Recommendations

By Adam Walter on Apr 18, 2022

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2NHRRDl
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3AyHCUd

Want to know a great way to relax and become more creative? Read! That’s right, today we’re talking about the all-important topic of books. Let’s get on the same page, shall we?

If you’re being honest with yourself, you probably try to impress people with the books that you read. We are constantly recommending and talking about the books that we want people to think we read rather than talking about the books that we actually enjoy.

As a business professional, you do business strategy all day, every day. When you get home, do you really want to read more about business theory or strategy? You probably want to read something that is going to relax and entertain you.

It’s really important to find time to let your brain relax. This allows creativity to sprout and great ideas to happen. If you are constantly thinking and struggling with how to be a better business professional, you will probably feel burnt out and tired. One of the beauties of reading fiction is that the creative sections of your brain get activated because you have to think about things that are impossible. You open your mind up to things that are so different than the every day.

Reading any book is beneficial and helpful, but some books are more helpful than others. You may feel like reading the latest-and-greatest business book will help you become better at your job when really, it just adds to your list of ideas that you have to implement. What if you’re not allowing yourself the creative space to actually create meaningful change and implement ideas because you have too many ideas to begin with. If you are constantly reading about different theories and constantly wanting to implement them, you will never be able to actually creatively and effectively make those implementations work. If your brain is just tired and too full, you‘re not going to actually be able to put any of those ideas into practice.

Reading fiction allows you to relax without adding more things to your pile of work stuff. The whole point is to fill your mind with positive things — allow yourself to truly relax.

Sometimes, you can read books that help you see things more clearly. Books can explain concepts and ideas in a way that you can better understand. So, don’t think that you can’t read non-fiction. Just make sure that you are actually enjoying the book and getting effective insight that will help instead of hurt.

If you already have so many business ideas but haven’t implemented them, there are books that can provide you with the motivation to implement those ideas. Maybe all you need is a push!

Ultimately, reading should be relaxing and beneficial. The best part of reading is expanding your knowledge in a productive way and gaining new perspectives based on the writer’s experience. We often read about things that we like, but we should also read stuff that we’re not as familiar with. Get out of your comfort zone and find a new genre. Do you like sci-fi? Try reading a romance novel! If you love autobiographies, try a western! Just read something that will expand your horizons, give you beneficial perspectives and help you relax.

Happy reading!

Topics: Humanize Podcast

2 min read

Powerpoint Costs You Clients

By Adam Walter on Feb 28, 2022

If you’ve ever walked into a room, gave a lecture and then walked out and wondered why no one bought your product, this one is for you.

Here at Humanize IT, our motto is conversations, not presentations. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ve probably heard us talk about that a ton — and, for a good reason! We want you to have the best conversations with clients, and that means it’s time to get rid of PowerPoint.