With many managed services providers admitting that their technology skills are far deeper than their business acumen, the processes required to create those critical organizational development plans may be quite unfamiliar. The talents essential to build and sustain these IT companies can be quite diverse, so MSPs either have to undergo training to acquire those capabilities or hire new employees with those specific proficiencies. Regardless of the method they adopt, those consistent investments can significantly boost an organization’s chances of achieving numerous goals over time.
So, how do MSPs know if they have the right processes and systems in place to help accomplish their long-term objectives – such as remaining profitable for years, if not decades? Even if they have effective procedures in place, where can they find industry best practices and discuss new ways to improve them?
CompTIA can help here. With a variety of managed services-specific business development options, the association continues to design additional resources with the help of a peer group of professionals who have already walked the walk. The CompTIA Managed Services community collaborated to create several major industry programs to date, and continues to foster education and best practices on a continual basis. Highlights of those efforts include:
The CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark
The member community played an instrumental role in the design and development of this respected industry business credential, which helps qualify and differentiate organizations that deliver on-premises IT services via this support model. The program is intended to establish a baseline of the organizational skills, policies and procedures required to operate a managed service provider business, which applicants must meet or exceed. These industry-prescribed best practices help Trustmark holders improve their operations and service capabilities, ensuring the success of both MSPs and their clients. The credential program was designed with a firm eye on educating the industry through foundational courses, virtual and live sessions and self-help guides that support the control framework and raise the acumen of the average managed service provider.
CompTIA Channel Training (for Managed Services Businesses)
Over the past four years, the CompTIA Managed Services community has collaborated on a host of education and training resources for MSPs of every shape and size. The group’s initiatives have fostered programs that help aspiring providers create successful recurring revenue-based businesses. Community members also assisted in the development of more advanced workshops and comprehensive exercises that address the needs of more established managed services organizations. The portfolio includes a Quick Start Guide and an in-depth 10-week guide to building a managed services business, as well as online and live-event workshops designed to improve the skills of virtually any IT services professional.
Need to know more about the future of managed services before developing or updating your organization’s business plan? CompTIA conducts a variety of MSP-related market research each year to identify key technology trends and recognize changes in channel dynamics and the IT workforce. That type of insight allows managed services providers to more closely predict the challenges and opportunities they may face themselves, giving them the information they need to develop more effective long-term strategies.
Of course, these resources and programs are not just for those companies planning to be around in five or ten years. Success comes in many forms, and those MSPs banking on a future mergers or acquisitions should take note. Obtaining industry-respected business credentials and participating in valued training programs will certainly help managed services organizations in their quest to improve profitability and meet fairly aggressive growth objectives. Whether building or selling, are you doing what it takes to move your business forward?
Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel. His previous roles include chief editor at Business Solutions magazine and senior director of industry alliances with Autotask. Contact Brian at Bsherman@techsuccesscommunications.com.
