How to Better Run your MSP in Simple Steps

 2019-07-16

Any successful business entails running like a well-oiled machine. Everything fits into place and works with the other parts to achieve certain priorities and outcomes. A well managed service provider is crucial to providing clients with the best and most reliable services. Not having your home set in place could spell trouble in the foreseeable future, especially if the word about mismanagement gets out to your customers.

What really makes a managed services provider, well managed? The whole ‘managed’ aspect of it should come naturally to MSPs. After all, they do manage services for their clients, but what happens when they aren’t that well managed themselves?

Being efficient is key to a business running efficiently and the way to do that is regular maintenance and needed upkeep. Keeping customers satisfied and their businesses running is what an MSP strives for. So, how can you make your own MSP working more efficiently?

Define Processes in Detail

Documentation is important for any business. Regardless of who’s working on what, documentation of necessary processes and check lists should ensure that everything is done correctly. Leaving it up to everyone coming through the door to implement their own working style may end up ruining all the previous effort done.

With that being said, it’s not to discourage new styles of leadership. What should remain consistent is processes that work and amplify efficiency.

There are certain practices which may be similar across the MSP spectrum, but also those aspects of your business which make you unique as a service provider. Not having that documented and disseminated to your team will keep it in the dark and eventually phased out. Everything from how your help desk functions to how to manage certain projects and even the functioning of marketing, sales and communications should be effectively documented.

Have the Right People on Your Team

Not having the right people working for your MSP could mean everything ending up in ruin quickly. Even though that person or set of people may be the best in the industry, if they are not fitting into the workplace culture or don’t follow policies, it will hurt many aspects of your business.

Skills and technical ability can always be taught or enhanced. What takes a lot more effort and may not be easy to change is whether or not someone is a fit for the team. Be thorough in hiring and make all attempts to ensure that you have made the right decision in bringing someone onboard.

With the right people, next comes having the right tools in place to enable them to do the best job they possibly can. The right people will use those tools to the maximum potential and benefit your business, clients and the overall team mood.

The core of what we’re discussing here is knowing that business improvement is a continuous process.

There is never a perfect plateau to reach, but rather a ongoing attempt to become better than you were yesterday. This is realistic and even more beneficial.