Last year I gave a series of talks about the importance of being a good MSP. This wasn't the typical speech on why you should become a MSP. Rather, it was on the virtues of being a good MSP.
One part of the speech was on neutrality and the importance of MSPs being independent advocates for their clients. As our economy puts unusual pressure on all of us, it is more important than ever for MSPs to be providing independent advice and service to their clients. I am getting very suspicious of all these new companies touting themselves as "trusted advisors". I wonder how many of these companies actually provide advice that is free from influence from a vendor or third party.
What I tell all end-users is to have a checklist based on the Consumer Bill of Rights. These are very easy to follow rules and they will steer you in the right direction as a MSP. MSPs are neutral! Don't ever let anyone convince you that you shouldn't be neutral. With so many companies trying to enter the MSP profession, neutrality and independence will eventually become one of the defining characteristics of all true MSPs!
