It was a very busy week as MSPWorld visited both Boston and Raleigh and as always, I learned quite a lot from the discussions. Here are some of my observations. First the similarities.
MSPs in both regions are cautiously optimistic about the economy and the future. While everyone displayed what I call typical entrepreneurial enthusiasm, both regions are taking a wait and see approach to their own spending, which is exactly what their clients are doing.Both cities did complain about small and “unprofessional” service providers who are trying to capitalize on existing market pressures by selling on price versus value. Almost nobody I heard from appreciates this behavior and a lot of time was spent on that issue.Now for the differences.
Boston definitely had a more open and collaborative spirit. Maybe MSPs in the south are simply more reserved but the amount of dialog going on in Boston amongst MSPs was noticeable. I will say by the end of the evening in Raleigh, everyone became more relaxed and started to network openly which I took as a good sign.
Overall, it was a great week to meet so many growing businesses from a variety if different vertical and service markets. My takeaway? The managed services industry is not slowing down!