In this episode of Start Grow Manage, co-hosts Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Rich Freeman, a seasoned observer of the MSP landscape likened to a war correspondent for his deep industry insights. The conversation kicks off with a bold claim – that this year might mark the end of MSPs as we know them, given the rapid advancements in AI and the challenges posed by the Internet of Things (IoT).

Rich also shares his three S’s for MSP success: Scale, Standardization, and Specialization. Scale involves anticipating growth and preparing the business accordingly. Standardization refers to narrowing down the solution stack and having documented operating processes for efficiency. Specialization is about being an expert in a particular field, setting you apart from competitors.

So if you don't want your MSP to die, then tune in and discover the fourth and latest addition to the S's for MSP success. 

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode of Start Grow Manage, Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas are joined by Trevor Thomas from ZenContract to explore the importance of establishing structured processes for managed service providers (MSPs). 

Trevor also shares how niching can enhance business performance by providing a clearer understanding of market needs and improved service delivery.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas welcomed Matt Bullock from Prodatix, where they discussed the shifting landscape of Managed Service Providers (MSPs). They emphasized that MSPs should focus on what they do best and partner with experts in other areas, such as data backup and security, to provide comprehensive solutions to their clients.

The conversation highlights the shift in the MSP market towards outsourcing and project management. Many successful MSPs are now acting as project managers, bringing in various specialized partners to handle different aspects of IT services. This approach allows MSPs to scale their businesses and offer high-quality solutions without spreading themselves too thin.

For MSPs to adjust to the shifting landscape, they need to understand the importance of specialization and partnerships in delivering top-notch IT services while allowing MSPs to focus on what they do best.

Start Grow Manage is a community of MSP entrepreneurs focused on helping each other grow their businesses. We offer tools, training, accountability, and the contacts you need to thrive.

Get access today: https://startgrowmanage.com/join-now/

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas welcomed Kathryn Rose, the visionary behind ChannelWise. She emphasized the importance of defining a niche in today's saturated MSP market. The conversation revolved around the common fear of narrowing down to a niche, where many businesses worry about limiting their reach. However, as the discussion revealed, honing a niche allows providers to address specific business problems more proficiently. 

Kathryn also touched upon the essence of sales, stating that the core of a successful sales strategy is understanding and solving client problems rather than merely selling products. She introduced the ChannelWise Coaching Cafe, a space where experts provide valuable insights to MSPs. Throughout the conversation, the trio converged on the idea that business, at its heart, exists to solve problems. 

For MSPs and other businesses to thrive, they must embrace this ethos, ensuring that every sale and every service genuinely addresses a customer's unique challenges.

Start Grow Manage is a community of MSP entrepreneurs focused on helping each other grow their businesses. We offer tools, training, accountability, and the contacts you need to thrive.

Get access today: https://startgrowmanage.com/join-now/

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr and Joe Rojas welcomed Jennifer Bleam of MSP Sales Revolution to discuss effective sales strategies. Jennifer stressed the significance of trust and rapport in sales, underscoring the importance of building genuine connections rather than just pushing products. 

A structured sales process is key; it establishes credibility and ensures clarity in engagements. We especially discussed the hot topic of objections. Instead of viewing them as roadblocks, Jennifer sees objections as indicators of active engagement, often viewing a lack of objections with suspicion. Drawing from personal anecdotes, she argued everyone has innate selling skills, urging listeners to refine and apply these in business contexts. 

Tune in so you can master sales for your MSP and "Get comfortable leaning into discomfort."

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr, Joe Rojas, and Gavin Garbutt emphasize the importance of MSPs aligning IT solutions with clients' business objectives through focused conversations. Gavin delves into niche verticals that can yield success, as seen with Caltech and Corsica. 

We also discuss the evolution and future of MSPs. This includes managing cloud services, especially with Microsoft, and harnessing AI and big data. We spotlight Augmentt’s multi-tenant solution for top-notch security monitoring and SaaS auditing. Plus, learn about the Augmentt Academy's valuable resources for MSPs to excel in selling cloud security services.

Tune in for insights and tools to navigate the evolving MSP landscape

Featuring

Gavin Garbutt, Chairman and Co-Founder of Augmentt

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr, Joe Rojas, and Steve Salmon delve into the challenges many businesses face when expanding nationwide, particularly the onboarding process. With Steve Salmon's insights, they explore the groundbreaking potential of tools like Field Nation to alleviate these pains.

However, at the episode's heart lies a deeper conversation about mindset: the inherent fears associated with growth, loss of control, and embracing external resources. The dialogue continuously circles back to the value of specializing or "having a niche" – stressing its significance in efficiency, process formulation, and confidence-building. 

Amidst discussions on the perceived decline of the MSP model, they highlight the importance of adapting to an ever-evolving business landscape, focusing on genuine customer pain points, and steering clear of fleeting trends. Join them as they navigate these intricate terrains and converse with Steve about the future of MSPs.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode, Jeff Loehr, Tim Fitzpatrick, and Joe Rojas discuss the benefits of niching down, finding the marketing channels that resonate with you, and the importance of customer onboarding.

They emphasize the value of understanding your target market and crafting a message that speaks directly to them, as well as optimizing referral systems and creating a super-targeted list to attract ideal clients.

They also address the fear of going too narrow with your niche and the delivery challenge that comes with it but stress that niching down ultimately leads to higher profitability and more enjoyable work.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Chris Bintiff joins us to discuss the role of AI in the MSP business. Discover how new technologies can push the boundaries of your growth and competitiveness.

In this podcast episode, Joe and Jeff are joined by Chris Bintiff, founder of Not Really Rocket Science and MarketingSpark.ai, discuss the role of AI in the MSP business. 

Discover how new technologies can push the boundaries of your growth and competitiveness. And how becoming an expert in a focused niche can really make your MSP stand out from the crowd (and allow you to charge more for your services).

Tune in for this insightful conversation on artificial intelligence, niching down, the final 3% of a project, and more. 

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff, and Robert Goodman, a software developer-turned-president of Technical Interviewers, dive into a conversation about hiring for technical talent. With an extensive background in IT, Goodman recounts his unique journey into recruitment, identifying the disconnect between hirers and the desired IT talent.

He highlights the challenges MSPs face in identifying genuinely skilled candidates due to non-formal learning paths and the fallibility of certification exams. Sharing real-world experiences, Goodman emphasizes that effective recruitment remains a deeply human, time-consuming process.

Listen to understand the intricacies of tech hiring and learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff in the world of IT recruitment. Tune in for this insightful conversation on why MSPs struggle to hire and guidance on how to make the process less painful for both the MSP and the candidates.

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At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff, and John Harden of Auvik dive into the sea of change in SaaS management for MSPs. From a 'blue ocean market' where no one saw the need to manage their SaaS, we're now in a dynamic environment where businesses are asking, 'How do I manage my SaaS?'

Combine this shift with Auvik's growth and you have a one-two punch sparking acceleration in the industry. Tune in for this insightful discussion on market timing, business maturity, and the evolution of SaaS management!

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At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff, and Mitch Kranitz discuss Mitch’s journey from MSP to print vendor. He discusses how he went about building a successful print business while avoiding common challenges. The “print partner” concept has been instrumental in his success.

By forming a close working relationship with MSPs, he has found that he is able to help them avoid the difficulties that often arise when working with random print vendors.

Mitch and his team work with a wide range of MSPs across the US. They have over 450 MSP referral partners that they collaborate with. They have a proven track record of identifying and pursuing high-quality opportunities, and they are committed to building strong relationships with their sales reps and MSPs.

Overall, Mitch’s journey and the success of his business offer valuable insights for anyone looking to build a successful print business and form strong partnerships with MSPs.

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At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff, and Hartland Ross discuss the importance of having an exit strategy and processes in place for MSPs to avoid burnout and increase the value of their business. 

He also highlights the benefits of acquiring and growing a book of business and advises sellers to understand the limitations of their business and what it is worth.

The conversation also touches on the emotional process of selling a business and how one may want to consider what they plan to do once the business is sold.

At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff, and Lisa discuss the importance of penetration testing for identifying network weaknesses and improving security posture. 

MSPs can work with third-party testers to gain insight and transparency throughout the engagement and provide better security recommendations to clients. 

Lisa also highlights the risks of phishing emails and weak passwords, emphasizing the need for vigilance and education in all areas of cybersecurity.

At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this podcast episode, Joe, Jeff and Antoine discuss JumpCloud, a platform that solves many problems for MSPs (Managed Service Providers) by centralizing identity access and device management capabilities. Antoine shares his story of building MYKI, a decentralized password manager, and how it led him to JumpCloud's focus on a passwordless world. The episode also highlights the importance of MSPs becoming thought leaders in cybersecurity and partnering with the right vendors to provide the best services to their clients. 

So listen in to hear what Antoine's vision is for the future of MSPs and his advice for MSPs to build strong foundations for their business.

At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In this episode of the Start Grow Manage Podcast, we sit down with Mac McKeon from MacGyver Technology to discuss the importance of pen testing and how it can be used by MSPs to improve the security of the businesses they serve. Mac shares his experience working with MSPs and the horror stories he's seen with insecure IoT devices. He also talks about how his team helps companies build secure, efficient systems that can easily scale.

At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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On this episode of the Start Grow Manage Podcast, guest Damien Stevens discusses the importance of having the right people and processes in place for a successful business, particularly in the context of managing backups for MSPs. He also shares his own experiences and offers advice for those struggling in their businesses, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and seeking help from others in the community.

At Start Grow Manage, we help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers achieve the impact, freedom, and wealth you imagined back when you started your company. Our tools, practices, and processes help you engage, energize and execute building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Today we're discussing the importance of adjusting our perspectives. It's pretty common for business owners, especially those in the MSP world, to fall into the been there, done that mindset. They reflect on their experiences, ponder future ideas, and make decisions about what's ahead like it's a foregone conclusion. Sometimes this approach works, but often it limits potential and opportunities because we're so sure something won't work or isn't right for us, just because we tried it years ago.When we think we know it all and have nothing left to learn, our ability to grow takes a serious hit. Let's dive in today and work on refreshing our mindsets. And hey, don't miss our bonus chat about how Joe's daughter is a digital art entrepreneur and Jeff's kids are sort of black-hat hackers now (not really, but they're definitely dabbling in gray-hat territory). 

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Today Joe and Jeff are joined by Layne Frank of BBH Solutions, an MSP succeeding in business for more than 30 years. Together we're discussing some essentials - how to sell MSP services, the success BBH Solutions has had in niche-ing down (choosing the right avatar!) and focusing on what they do best and for whom they do it. This episode is part history lesson on what it takes to achieve long-term success as an MSP, and a masterclass in how identifying and treating your customers helps create that kind of success, as well as the value of cultivating a network. Discover the secrets to success from an experienced MSP provider, and the power of passion that can help you achieve your goals. Featuring Joe Rojas and Jeff Loehr and Layne Frank

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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In today's episode, we're talking about the importance of communication in your marketing and networking. We're exploring better ways to understand the language of business and technology so you can communicate on your prospects' and customers' levels to make the most of networking opportunities. We'll provide clear, practical tips and strategies to help MSPs bridge the gap between different industries, get up to speed on plans and SLAs, and - stop us if you've heard this one (actually, don't) - why you must have a customer avatar for effective marketing. Unlock the secrets of smarter networking, and discover how they can help you create successful outcomes and reach your goals.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Maybe the most essential way to improve the performance of your MSP business is in finding the right fit for your team by assessing capabilities and values when hiring. In this episode, we're exploring the importance of collaboration and providing detailed instructions, gaining insights on how to prepare and train employees, and covering how to streamline your human resources for maximum efficiency. Featuring Joe Rojas and Jeff Loehr

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Today we're talking about the importance of having an effective plan, setting goals, and the power of big-picture thinking. We'll explain the value of the 'Hats Chart', a practical method for visualizing how one person can take on multiple roles in a company. Understanding the Hats Chart can help you streamline operations and lead to a better understanding of how your MSP works, eventually increasing productivity and efficiency. Explore what happens when you rethink responsibilities around functions, rather than people or positions.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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Save yourself days - maybe weeks - with a few minutes of smart decisions. Today we're talking about how onboarding is essential to ensure success. We'll talk about the importance of a predictable process, what can go wrong without onboarding, and discuss some crucial first steps to make sure you get it right. Join us for advice you need to make sure your clients are set up for success.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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The agnostic MSP is the provider who's trying to do all the things for all the customers. Instead of focusing on a niche and an ideal customer, they're saying yes to everything and everybody. Even worse - they think this is a strategic advantage for them. At Start Grow Manage, we think agnostic is where MSPs go to die. In today's conversation Joe and Jeff are talking about how MSPs are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and how staying agnostic is just creating that hustle culture that's slowly killing your business. We're talking about why it's critical that you focus your systems, processes and products for your ideal customer and why staying in the vague middle usually just means staying mediocre. Featuring: Joe Rojas, Jeff Loehr

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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If you're an MSP conducting Quarterly Business Reviews (QBR) with your clients, congratulations. You're doing more than many. The bad news is, your QBR is probably pretty weak from your customer's point of view. Today we're introducing you to our reframing of the QBR - the Strategic Business Review. In an SBR you're better focused on your client's business and needs so you can better connect your solutions to their problems. We'll talk you through the structure - including why we spend 5 minutes max on stats and metrics - and deliver some coaching on how you can start implementing the SBR framework into your processes, creating more value and deeper connections with your clients.

Start, Grow, And Manage a scalable MSP that powers an extraordinary life. Our tools, practices and processes help you engage, energize and execute on building a business that powers an extraordinary life. Learn more about our programs and how they can fuel your fire.

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