--- title: Build a Better MSP - Blog | Virtual CIO description: Virtual CIO | Build a Better MSP and Transform From an IT Service Provider to a High-Value Business Partner. Differentiate your MSP from your competition with ease, get in front of potential ideal clients and close higher-value deals. --- - [Login](https://tool.managedservicesplatform.com/) - [Help](https://help.managedservicesplatform.com/) - [Status](https://managedservicesplatform.statuspage.io/) [![HIT white powerd by msppng](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/HIT%20white%20powerd%20by%20msppng.png) ![HIT white powerd by msppng](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/HIT%20white%20powerd%20by%20msppng.png)](https://www.humanizeit.biz) [![Request Demo](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/388605/35167528-0a8b-4e13-bc76-41b9dcfa705a.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/388605/35167528-0a8b-4e13-bc76-41b9dcfa705a) - [Pricing](https://www.humanizeit.biz/pricing) - [Education](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - Humanize IT Podcast - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJGa1zA1pwy6-avqM8D3I4OE) - [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3HRZBruDAP9oyVnloUHABO) - [Apple](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humanize-it/id1511560088) - [2024 Weekly Schedule](https://www.humanizeit.biz/events) - On-Demand Webinars - [3 Award-Winning Technologies to Evolve your MSP](https://info.humanizeit.biz/3-award-winning-technologies-to-evolve-your-msp) - [Compliance for Engineers](https://info.humanizeit.biz/compliance-for-engineers) - [Pentesting and Profits](https://info.humanizeit.biz/pentesting-and-profits) - [Your Website is Rubbish](https://info.humanizeit.biz/webinar-your-website-is-rubbish) - [Youtube Webinar Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDUiMI4qjlJFkYjXQSPwCtmAnK1hFogHR) - [Automate All Your QBRs](https://info.humanizeit.biz/automate-all-your-qbrs) - Free Tools - [Asset Recycling Program](https://www.humanizeit.biz/eol) - [IT Warranty Lookup (Beta)](https://warranty.humanizeit.biz) - [QBR Toolkit](https://www.humanizeit.biz/qbr) - [Meeting Maker](https://meeting-maker.humanizeit.biz/) - [Resources](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Coaching](https://www.humanizeit.biz/coaching) - [Expand Existing Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Win New Clients](https://www.humanizeit.biz/win-new-clients-resources) - [Structure AM/vCIO Operation](https://www.humanizeit.biz/structure-account-management-and-vcio-operation) - [Implement New IT Services](https://www.humanizeit.biz/implement-new-it-services-resources) - [HIT Knowledge Base](https://help.humanizeit.biz) - Demo Personas - [The Dispatch](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-e6d2ab31-6cab-47c0-a47c-a2cfeb969405) - [Streamlined QBR](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-f63143e0-3b3a-479e-91a4-835a18b60516) - [CISO](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-8365f6b2-2bf3-4ddf-a80c-1515685af50e) - [Annual Budget](https://app.managedservicesplatform.com/clients/8963/home/public/sc-b59d26eb-c3e3-43c6-94fa-3a4f4bb82432) - [About](https://www.humanizeit.biz/about) - [AI Open Letter](https://www.humanizeit.biz/ai-open-letter) - [Testimonials](https://www.humanizeit.biz/testimonials) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.humanizeit.biz/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.humanizeit.biz/privacy-policy) - [Security | SOC2](https://www.humanizeit.biz/security) ###### 6 min read ## [The State of the vCIO in 2020](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/state-of-vcio) By [Dr Peter Torbagyi](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/dr-peter-torbagyi) on Jan 7, 2021 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/vcio-movement-in-us.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/state-of-vcio) Every year Managed Services Platform publishes a report about the state of the vCIO. We summarize the experiences of the largest vCIO community in the world. We’re not just interested in the major trends in the technology space, but how those impacted the vCIO role and responsibilities. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/cio) [Managed Services Platform](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-platform) ###### 6 min read ## [vCIO: The Ultimate Guide](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/vcio) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Jul 10, 2020 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/vcio-roles.png)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/vcio) The vCIO or Virtual CIO (virtual chief information officer) term was popularized in the managed services industry to initially differentiate one MSP from another by adding higher-level management practices to their services. The term has been overused and without a lack of an accepted definition, certification or agreement across the industry the term has lost its original meaning. As any MSP could claim to provide vCIO services it is no longer the main differentiator. Meanwhile, the service provided by vCIOs has become more relevant than ever. That is why most MSPs have their own terminology for the vCIO role such as digital advisor, digital consultant, business technology advisor, and so on.  ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-providers) [Virtual Chief Information Officer](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-chief-information-officer) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/cio) ###### 4 min read ## [Managed Services Platform vCIO Report 2019](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/managed-services-platform-vcio-report-2019) By [Dr Peter Torbagyi](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/dr-peter-torbagyi) on Dec 6, 2019 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/managed-services-platform-vcio-community-600-members.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/managed-services-platform-vcio-report-2019) Managed Services Platform's vCIO community has been growing year by year since 2014. In fact, we are most likely now the largest active vCIO community in the world with more than 600 members. With this news, we have decided to create a short report regarding how we typically see our vCIO members across the globe. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Virtual Chief Information Officer](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-chief-information-officer) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/cio) [IT Client Engagement](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-client-engagement) ###### 4 min read ## [Why your QBRs are costing you, customers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/why-your-qbrs-are-costing-you-customers) By [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/adam-walter) on Sep 2, 2019 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/shutterstock_279749591%20%282%29.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/why-your-qbrs-are-costing-you-customers) For those of us who have been in technology for a while, we have seen some pretty crazy setups from well-meaning people. Largely this is because we have very smart capable people trying to work in environments with limited knowledge.  Most were trying their hardest but just didn’t know any better.   Some of the crazy things I saw back in the day were “vlans” that were actually just subnets, firewalls with giant holes in the ruleset, and unrestricted VPNs that were completely insecure. These mistakes were not made by lazy admins, they were made by well-intentioned technicians that didn’t know they were doing anything wrong. All they knew was that things were working smoothly. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-providers) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [IT Client Engagement](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-client-engagement) [QBR](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/qbr) [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/adam-walter) [Quarterly Business Review](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/quarterly-business-review) ###### 4 min read ## [Why vCIO Programs Fail](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/why-vcio-programs-fail) By [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/adam-walter) on Jul 25, 2019 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/Why-vCIO-Programs-Fail.png)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/why-vcio-programs-fail) The industry is changing, you need to evolve or be left behind by your clients. The next step to MSPs is vCIO, but how do we get there? I have spent the last few years coaching [MSPs on how to create successful vCIO programs](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/vcio-excellence-membership-program-sales-site). There is a consistent message across every single MSP: ***“We want a vCIO program but have not been able to get it going”*** ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [IT Client Engagement](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-client-engagement) [Strategic Leadership](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/strategic-leadership) [Disruptive MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/disruptive-msp) [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/adam-walter) ###### 1 min read ## [6 Best Practices of Top Performing vCIOs](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/6-best-practices-of-top-performing-vcios-by-virtual-c) By [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/adam-walter) on May 31, 2019 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/virtual-cio-best-practices.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/6-best-practices-of-top-performing-vcios-by-virtual-c) If you think technology strategy involves talking to your client about firewalls and server patching levels you are doing it wrong! Technology is becoming a commodity. Just a few years ago you needed an engineer just to install wireless. Now anybody with a cheque book can order turnkey solutions from amazon and manage their entire technology stack from the cloud. Businesses need partners to help them compete, they don’t need to be more educated on the greatest next generation firewall. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [IT Client Engagement](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-client-engagement) [Adam Walter](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/adam-walter) ###### 2 min read ## [Start vCIO with Quick Productized Projects](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/start-vcio-with-quick-productized-projects) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Mar 2, 2017 [![](https://www.msp.app/hubfs/social-suggested-images/itguys-4.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/start-vcio-with-quick-productized-projects) Starting vCIO services can be a struggle not just for you and your people, but for the clients too. There are some established expectations of vCIO services, which sets a hurdle right at their kickoff of these services. There is, however, a natural way of solving this problem: use easy to sell and easy to deliver productized vCIO projects. Of course, developing such effective and elegant solutions does take time, so we’ve set up a shortcut to start, and let you build up vCIO Project products instead. Don’t worry - this isn’t taking on new work - just solve problems you’re expected to already, but start getting paid for all you do. Let's see seven examples of typical vCIO products: ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [IT Management](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-management) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [IT Consultative Sales](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-consultative-sales) [IT Account Management](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-account-management) [MSP Pricing](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp-pricing) ###### 4 min read ## [20% rule of vCIO pricing](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/20-rule-of-vcio-pricing) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Jan 26, 2017 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/vcio-pricing-rule.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/20-rule-of-vcio-pricing) Here’s a mystery you all know all too well - pricing your stand-alone vCIO services so you’re not robbing your clients nor yourself...that trepidation when you’re putting together the proposal, or trying to ballpark a figure in a meeting. It’s always been a gamble. There’s a way to find the proper middle ground, following a simple process to help you to close more deals without risking a critical over or underestimation, of your client’s expectation or your services. Here is the formula... **We just call it a 20% rule....** ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-providers) [Virtual Chief Information Officer](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-chief-information-officer) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [MSP Pricing](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp-pricing) ###### 4 min read ## [Five principles behind an engaging Quarterly Business Review process](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/five-principles-behind-an-engaging-quarterly-business-review-process) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Jan 12, 2017 [![](https://www.msp.app/hubfs/five-principles2.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/five-principles-behind-an-engaging-quarterly-business-review-process)  In our design of the new [Quarterly Business Review tool](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/it-client-engagement) we wanted to ensure that MSPs can find business opportunities with existing clients, enhance the quality of their engagement, become a business partner and demonstrate the value they provide all at once. Achieving those multiple goals in the midst of commoditization of traditional infrastructure management services requires finding a balance among five different strategies. Let's check those success factors to make sure you deliver timely and engaging QBRs. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-providers) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [IT Account Management](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-account-management) [QBR](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/qbr) [Quarterly Business Review](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/quarterly-business-review) ###### 3 min read ## [Packaging and Delivering Scalable vCIO Services](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/packaging-and-delivering-scalable-virtual-cio-services) By [Dr Peter Torbagyi](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/dr-peter-torbagyi) on Oct 17, 2016 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/lego-packages.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/packaging-and-delivering-scalable-virtual-cio-services)  [Carrie Simpson, Founder and CEO of Managed Sales Pros](http://www.managedsalespros.com/) talked with Denes Purnhauser, CEO of ReframeYourClients, and shared the most common mistakes IT managed services providers make when it comes to building their vCIO offerings, and how you can increase your MRR with the correct approach. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [Virtual Chief Information Officer](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-chief-information-officer) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [Managed Services Platform](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-platform) ###### 6 min read ## [5 false Myths of Managed Services](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/5-false-myths-of-managed-services) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Aug 26, 2016 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/false-myths-of-managed-services.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/5-false-myths-of-managed-services) As we have been talking with hundreds of Managed Services around the world we have been able to identify several common beliefs, and even myths shaping their thoughts. The biggest problem here is that these beliefs were valid in the past. The times when the MSP model founded and spread across the world, these concepts were helping people to sell and execute services. However as the market went forward with the tectonic shift of consumerization, cloud, mobile and the overall maturity of IT, these beliefs are no longer valid. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [IT Sales Person](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-sales-person) [Managed Services Providers](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-providers) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/cio) [IT Account Management](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-account-management) ###### 4 min read ## [3 Best IT reports for MSPs looking to better communicate with clients](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/three-canvases-for-msps-to-make-communication-work-with-clients) By [Denes Purnhauser](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/author/denes-purnhauser) on Jun 20, 2016 [![](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/3-best-it-reports.jpg)](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/three-canvases-for-msps-to-make-communication-work-with-clients) Having been inspired by the business model canvas, we started our own IT Management Canvas almost three years ago. We’re thrilled to see how creatively people adopt the canvas with the related questionnaire and instigate vibrant client engagement. Through our development of vCIO and IT Security related assessments, the new canvases have been born. Let's check out the revision of the original IT management Canvas, the IT Security Canvas and the vCIO Canvas. ###### Topics: [vCIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/vcio) [IT Sales Person](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-sales-person) [MSP](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/msp) [Virtual CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio) [CIO](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/cio) [IT Consultative Sales](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/it-consultative-sales) [Managed Services Platform](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/managed-services-platform) [All posts](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/all) [Next](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/topic/virtual-cio/page/2) [![Sign up for the Client Engagement Excellence Manifesto PDF coming end of January](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/388605/91c338c8-f4a5-4b5f-be05-e2a3093ff4c0.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/388605/91c338c8-f4a5-4b5f-be05-e2a3093ff4c0) ### Sign up for updates ### Featured ### Pick a topic, any topic. - [Recent Posts](https://blog.humanizeit.biz) - [QBR](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/qbr#topic) - [vCIO](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/vcio#topic) - [Client Success](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/client-success#topic) - [Technical Account Manager](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/technical-account-manager#topic) - [Humanize IT podcast](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/humanize-podcast#topic) ##### PRODUCT PRODUCT - [IT Client Engagement](https://www.humanizeit.biz/it-client-engagement) - [IT CRM](https://www.humanizeit.biz/strategic-msp) - [IT Sales](https://www.humanizeit.biz/it-sales) - [Pricing](https://www.humanizeit.biz/pricing-old-877) ##### QBR TOOLKIT QBR TOOLKIT - [QBR Discussion Points Checklist](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-discussion-points-checklist) - [Executive QBR Power Questions](https://info.humanizeit.biz/executive-qbr-power-questions) - [Remote QBR Checklist](https://info.humanizeit.biz/remote-qbr-checklist) - [QBR Annual Playbook](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-annual-playbook) - [QBR Time Calculator](https://info.humanizeit.biz/qbr-time-calculator) ##### RESOURCES RESOURCES - [Peer Groups](http://www.managedservicesplatform.com/peer-groups) - [Upcoming Events](https://www.humanizeit.biz/upcoming-member-events) - [QBR Toolkit](https://www.humanizeit.biz/qbr) - [Win New Clients with IT Audits](https://www.humanizeit.biz/win-new-clients-resources) - [Upsell Clients with QBRs](https://www.humanizeit.biz/expand-existing-clients-resources) - [Implement New IT Services](https://www.humanizeit.biz/implement-new-it-services-resources) - [Structure vCIO Operations](https://www.humanizeit.biz/structure-account-management-and-vcio-operation) ##### BLOG BLOG - [Quarterly Business Review - QBR](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/qbr) - [Virtual CIO - vCIO](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/vcio) - [IT Account Management](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/it-account-management) - [IT Consultative Sales](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/it-consultative-sales) - [Cyber Security](https://blog.managedservicesplatform.com/topic/cybersecurity) [![HIT white powerd by msppng](https://www.managedservicesplatform.com/hubfs/HIT%20white%20powerd%20by%20msppng.png "HIT white powerd by msppng")](https://blog.humanizeit.biz/) - [Terms](https://www.humanizeit.biz/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.humanizeit.biz/privacy-policy) Copyright © 2020 Humanize IT