A quiet race to recruit managed service providers into associations and user groups continues. The latest example: CompTIA MSP Partners has announced a relationship with PartnerConduit Network, an online community that helps solutions providers to manage collaborative opportunities. Here’s a look at the relationship. Plus, a broader look at the effort to find and recruit MSPs into associations, organizations and user groups.
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Where Are Tomorrow’s MSPs Hiding?
Posted March 18th, 2010 by Joe Panettieri
Free: The New MSP Strategy?
Posted October 22nd, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
A so-called “free” strategy continues to sweep across the managed services market. But whether you’re an association, a software provider or a managed services provider (MSP), “free” is a tricky strategy to manage — especially as you try to convert free clientele into paying customers. Here’s a look at the trend.
Lead Generation And Technology Makeovers: The Perfect Pair?
Posted April 27th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
It sounds like a simple strategy: Host a contest to give one small business customer a free extreme technology makeover. And use all the publicity around the event to fuel your lead generation efforts. But here’s what can go right — and wrong — with the extreme technology makeover contests that VARs and managed service providers are hosting.
Managed Services Accreditation, Part 2: Views From MSP Partners, MSPAlliance
Posted April 1st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
When MSP Partners on March 31 announced plans for a managed services accreditation test, I offered some quick perspectives but also raised five follow-up questions. Seeking answers, I contacted MSP Partners and the MSPAlliance — which already offers a managed services accreditation. Here are some perspectives on key questions I had raised.
MSP Services Network Veteran Joins SecureMyCompany
Posted February 19th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
An update from the managed services talent pool: Nancy Williams, a veteran of MSP Services Network (MSPSN), has joined SecureMyCompany as VP of community relations. Here’s a bit more on the move.
SecureMyCompany Veteran Joins MSP University
Posted February 17th, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
One of the most vocal personalities at SecureMyCompany — a Master MSP that hosts Kaseya software — apparently is leaving the company to join MSP University.
Professor of Managed Services?
Posted January 21st, 2009 by Joe Panettieri
Gary Pica (pictured), a veteran of mindSHIFT Technologies, is making the leap from managed service provider to industry educator. And he’s not alone. As more executives successfully embrace managed services, they’re finding time to launch businesses or consulting gigs that educate the MSP masses.
Attention MSP Shoppers: Managed Services Books
Posted December 16th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
As a blogger who leaps from topic to topic, it’s difficult for me to imagine sitting down long enough to write books about managed services. Besides, multiple experts have already filled that void.
Sales Lead Strategy: Extreme Office Makeovers
Posted November 25th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Erick Simpson (pictured), CIO of MSP University, blogged a bit about a rather interesting sales lead strategy known as the Extreme Office Makeover. I’ve been hearing more and more about that sales lead strategy in recent months — and it seems to be working in cities across the United States. For specific details check out Erick’s blog.
Five Managed Services Blogs That Keep Going…
Posted October 7th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
A few months ago, MSPmentor praised several very promising blogs penned by managed service providers, software companies and industry pundits.
Everon Launches MSP Coach
Posted September 12th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Everon Technology Services LLC, one of our MSPmentor 100 companies, has launched MSP Coach. According to a teaser for the site, Everon has “taken everything we’ve learned and begun creating courses, content, and tools that you can use to help build your MSP business.”
Recap: MSP Revolution Managed Services Summit
Posted September 8th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
In case you weren’t able to attend this past weekend’s MSP Revolution managed services summit in Chicago, you can find several recaps on the Web.
- Day 1 recap from Erick Simpson, VP and CIO of MSP University
- Viva la Revolucion from Karl Palachuk
- MSP Revolution Provides New and Spectacular Content from Karl Palachuk
Amy Luby, the event organizer, apparently fulfilled her mission to move beyond “101″ managed services conferences, and do a deeper dive to help MSPs maximize their business success, noted Palachuk.
MSP University Introduces New Book
Posted August 29th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Erick Simpson over at MSP University has introduced a new managed services book, titled “The Best I.T. Service Delivery Book Ever.” I haven’t seen it or read it yet. But perhaps he’ll hand me an autographed copy when we meet at MSP Revolution in Chicago?
Join MSPmentor At Two Managed Services Events
Posted August 21st, 2008 by MSPMentor
MSPmentor Editorial Director Joe Panettieri will be answering questions and driving attendee discussions at several upcoming managed services summits, conference and Webcasts.
Managed Services: How to Pursue Sales Leads (Forever)
Posted August 14th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Sometimes, I get distracted by Web 2.0 marketing strategies. I’m always telling managed service providers how they can leverage blogs, Web video, etc., to improve their search engine optimization (SEO) and attract new customers.
Can You Fire Your Worst Customers?
Posted July 30th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
During a tight economy, it’s sometimes difficult for you to turn down a questionable business engagement — even if you know the customer is going to be a nightmare, and the margins aren’t going to be so great.
Managed Services Summits: Circle the Dates
Posted July 9th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Eager to learn from other managed service providers? Attending managed services summits and face-to-face events are great ways to achieve that goal. And there’s no shortage of MSP conference options.
MSP University: Behind the Curtains
Posted June 24th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
I spent some time with Erick Simpson, VP and CIO of MSP University, during the Kaseya User Conference in Las Vegas last month. Even before we met, I knew Erick had written some best-selling books on managed services. But I wanted to learn a bit more about where MSP University had been … and where it’s going.
Guest Column: MSP University’s Erick Simpson
Posted June 1st, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
I expect to meet MSP University co-founder and CIO Erick Simpson this evening at the Kaseya User Conference’s opening reception here in Las Vegas. Erick has written best-selling books on the managed services industry, and he also assists us from time to time with our Ask a Mentor program, wherein we answer dozens of reader questions per week.
Update: Cisco’s Managed Services Strategy
Posted March 14th, 2008 by Joe Panettieri
Keeping pace with Cisco Systems’ business strategies can be a full-time job. I’m seeking some clarity, and plan to get an update on March 25, during a Web seminar featuring Sameer Jayakar, senior manager, SMB Network Management for Cisco Systems.
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