I was in a meeting with some MSP executives today and out of the blue I heard several of them talk about how their organizations help their clients with business problems. I thought I had heard something incorrectly but I hadn't. I thought maybe they were starting a new technical service offering. These MSPs were talking about their relationships with clients and how the technical and business dialog is inseparable. It occurred to me at that moment that real MSPs, not just the pretend ones, actually solve business issues, not just technical problems.
I know all MSPs are in the business of managing IT but to be truly relevant to your clients I think you have to transcend the technical and provide a business solution as well. Eventually, clients need some assistance in making the translation of how technology serves the interests of the business. If you are solely focused on the technical and you never have that business relationship I think you are missing out. To be more blunt, I think you are vulnerable as a managed service provider. This isn't revolutionary but it was nice to see in practice.
