‘Together is better’ was one of the key messages from this year’s Global MSP Day.
In celebration of the 6th annual Global MSP Day, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) from all over the world came together across the globe for live events and virtual presentations on 1st June 2023.
Sponsored by Barracuda MSP, the theme of this year’s event was to recognise that there have been a wealth of challenges and opportunities for MSPs since the pandemic.
Part of the activities included a great virtual presentation from our own Richard Tubb. He told us that there are lots of opportunities out there for MSPs, but that we don’t have to try and do it all by ourselves.
Global MSP Day 2023
Global MSP Day 2023 celebrates the MSP industry with a day of learning and networking across North America and Europe.
It’s a chance to remind ourselves of all the good that we as MSPs do for our clients, in spite of the rising challenges that we’ve had to face in a post-pandemic world. It’s an opportunity for MSPs and vendors to collaborate, share knowledge, celebrate successes and champion best practices. 2023 marks the 6th year of the Global MSP Day tradition.
The day included virtual presentations and in-person events. With contributions from CompTIA, CyberQP and Channel Program.
Anne Campbell of Barracuda, said: “This event is full of opportunities for IT managed service providers – the information and shared experiences are guaranteed to increase knowledge and help businesses discover best practices to promote business growth.”
The Evolving Landscape of the MSP Report
As ever, Global MSP Day coincides with the release of findings from Barracuda’s Evolving Landscape of the MSP report.
The report collates data from 500 surveyed MSPs from all over the world.
Jason Howells, VP MSP International Sales for Barracuda MSP revealed the key themes for 2023, as part of the live hour-long virtual event.
This year the report’s key findings included:
- MSPs show resiliency in 2023
- MSPs are continuing to diversify their product offerings
- Continuing growth is creating challenges for MSPs
- Sustainability continues to be a priority
The full report can be found here: The Evolving Landscape of the MSP Report 2023
How to Lead with Cybersecurity in 2023
As part of the live virtual event, Wayne Selk, CompTIA’s VP of Cybersecurity and Executive Programs, spoke on the subject of cybersecurity.
He said we should consider reframing our perspectives as MSPs when in comes to cybersecurity.
In taking a risk-based approach, deciding the risk tolerance of clients on an individual level, and identifying critical assets as a starting point for a cybersecurity baseline is paramount.
Together is Better: 3 Ways Working With Others Can Help Your MSP
In light of the many challenges and opportunities faced by today’s MSPs, one stands out in particular: digital transformation.
Richard Tubb gave a presentation about how IT service providers should harness the power of working with others so that you are free to focus on the core competencies that fit your level of expertise.
Richard shared three valuable tips proving that together is better than going it alone.
Tip #1: Outsource Your Day-to-Day to Focus on High Value Work
The myth about outsourcing is that you’re abdicating responsibility, or ‘setting and forgetting’ as it’s sometimes called.
However, the truth is that you’re just delegating the responsibility to contracted partners who are delivering your services to the standards you’ve agreed. It’s similar to the partnership between MSP and client. MSPs are delivering the IT services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), allowing them to focus on their business.
Three areas that MSPs should consider outsourcing in particular, are:
- Service desk
- Network Operations Centre (NOC)
- Security Operations Centure (SOC)
Outsourcing is not just for the technical services you deliver, either. You can outsource HR & recruitment, accounting, web design, marketing, and so much more.
Tip #2: Form Strategic Alliances with Partners Where Your Expertise is Lacking
Where a client’s needs extend to areas that fall outside of your core competencies, you should look to partner with other companies that can deliver those services.
It might be that you need to provide a customer relationship management (CRM) solution for a client, or they’re asking about using Linux, or they need a new e-commerce website setting up. Whatever it is, if it’s something you know you should not be tackling by yourself, then that’s where strategic alliances come in.
You’re more than just a IT provider for your clients, your a trusted business adviser too. So when you partner up with someone who delivers a good service, you’re also facilitating new business relationships for your clients as well.
Tip #3: Don’t Go It Alone – Get Involved in the MSP Community
Richard shared that his own personal and business growth was accelerated thanks to some generous and successful people who gave up their time to teach him how to succeed in IT.
Peer collaboration is a powerful way to accelerate your growth and learn from others who have been where you are.
The increased awareness of mental health challenges means that support is not only encouraged, but essential.
The MSP industry is unique in that peers are willing to go the extra mile to help one another to learn and grow. To share experiences, tactics, pains and successes.
It sounds absurd, competitors helping each other, but they say a rising tide lifts all boats.
Great examples of MSP communities and resources include:
- CompTIA
- The Tech Tribe
- Smarter MSP website
The potential for increased success for MSPs lies in working and learning from others. Together is better, and we’re in the best industry to leverage the knowledge and expertise around us.
Global MSP Day 2023 Virtual Event Replay
In case you missed it, you can watch the replay of the hour-long virtual event below.
Global MSP Day 2023: The London Networking Event
Richard Tubb and I, Stephen McCormick, were in attendance at the London networking event for Global MSP Day, which was held at the Aviary Rooftop Bar and Restaurant, at the top of the Montcalm Hotel.
A number of a managed service providers were in attendance to network and celebrate on what was a warm and sunny afternoon. So nice, in fact, that many took advantage of the complimentary hats and sunglasses!
Also in attendance, was Sandro Roppa, Regional Account Director for Barracuda MSP, amongst many others.
It was a good chance to network, socialise and discuss ideas, over drinks and nibbles at fantastic location in the centre of London.
This event was one of six in-person events across the globe. The only other event in Europe took place in Kameryck, Netherlands.
Other gatherings took place in North America in Ontario, New York, Atlanta, and Dallas.
Conclusion
All in all, Global MSP Day is a celebration of the marvellous achievements of MSPs, especially since the pandemic.
The opportunities for MSPs mean our technical services are more in demand than ever. It’s important though, to remember where our own strengths are, and to know that we don’t have to try and to do this all by ourselves.
The together is better ethos is reflected in the sheer number of memberships to MSP communities around the world.
Not to mention the people who gave up their afternoons and evenings to join in on the in-person networking social events.
Did you take part in Global MSP Day, or are you part of an MSP community you think more people should be aware of?
Please let us know all about it in the comments.
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I'm a small business owner, technical writer and blogger, with 15 years experience in corporate IT. I frequently attend MSP peer groups and create content relevant to IT service providers and business owners.
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