It's time for me to get on my soapbox and discuss an issue that is fundamental to our profession. For years, MSPAlliance has received its marching orders from the MSPs. Without their support and guidance, we would not exist. Having said that, I have learned a lot from listening and talking with MSPs all over the world and one thing I can emphatically say is that there are no shortcuts to managed services transformation and success.
Shortcuts Have Been Tried
This is not to say that shortcuts to managed services transformation haven't been tried in the past: they have, and they do not work. Typically, managed services shortcut programs have existed for the real purpose of lead generation and not for some altruistic function of making VARs into overnight MSP successes.
Vendors, including distributors, used to look at MSP "quick start" programs as useful for recruiting companies that wanted to become MSPs but lacked the knowledge to do so. So, vendors would develop a program designed to give companies the fundamentals, which usually included access to RMM and PSA software, some sales and marketing templates, and a nice pat on the back.
What Does Work?
Talk to any MSP who has been around for longer than 5 years and they'll tell you it isn't as easy as writing the words "I'm a MSP" on a website. It takes time to develop a process, hire and train a solid team of people, and cultivate a relationship with customers who trust in you. There is no substitute for time.
I'm writing this article because I just read a piece by a publication that recently proclaimed the virtues of not taking any shortcuts in managed services transformation. While I was pleased to read this I didn't think this statement was particularly earth shattering or spectacular in its wisdom. Moreover, this very same publication (I'm not saying who) used to frequently publish articles proclaiming the virtues of quick start "today a VAR, tomorrow a MSP" programs.
I'm not saying I told you so. But, many MSPs have been saying that there are no shortcuts to managed services transformation and success, just hard work. I agree with those MSPs and hope that VARs and other companies wanting to enter cloud & managed services take a page from other MSPs and not seek any shortcuts. In the end, it won't accelerate anything and may in fact delay your ultimate objective.
There, I'm off my soapbox.
