Your Business: Make 2013 A Breakout Success
Will 2013 mark a breakout year for your business? Will you be filling out your application to be included in next year's MSPmentor 100 when we reach December? What are some of the factors that could turn 2013 into a banner year for your MSP company?
You've probably asked yourself these very questions before in previous years, but the day-to-day concerns of the business may have taken you away from refining your thoughts to the point where they could be executed. Or maybe execution of the plans proved to be too much for the resources you had at hand. So how can you make sure that this year is the big year?
Successful MSPs have several things in common. Here's a list of the best practices you can implement to set your course for improvement in 2013.
Standardize your technology. As many experts have pointed out, automation is a key driver of profit in a service business such as managed services. If you can standardize your customers on specific hardware, antivirus software, and other offerings you can streamline your support and help desk processes.
Standardize your processes, too. Make sure your technicians know what to do in each situation. This also streamlines the process and leaves less room for error. No need to reinvent the wheel if another technician has already done it.
Use all the features of your technology. Maybe you've standardized on the technology of a few vendors in the remote monitoring and management and professional services automation space. You are paying for the technology, so make sure you are getting the full use out of it. Have you explored all the features? Learned how to create all the reports? If not, you may be leaving money on the table.
Showcase your brand. Your reports, invoices, and every bit of communication that goes to customers should have your brand on them, not your vendors' brands. Make sure your customers know that you are the one providing the services and IT.
Take time for the big picture. At least once a week take a look at all the metrics you have available to you. Are there any unexpected trends either with the technology or with your financials? Are there any course corrections you should investigate or make? Stepping back regularly to look at the big picture protects you from surprises.
Check in with customers in person. In the rush to automation, don't forget to schedule regular face-to-face meetings with customers. This is a great opportunity to offer them reports, make sure they are happy and talk about any goals or concerns they may have.
Join a peer group. So many successful MSPs are members of a peer group, coaching organization or other affinity group. Here you will find others who will be as passionate as you are about best practices for the business while at the same time offering you a reality check on your grand plans.
Focus. You company is great at some things, and maybe not as great at other things. Focus on the areas where you can excel and differentiate to set yourself apart from competitors.
