It was a very busy week as MSPWorld visited both Boston and Raleigh and as always, I learned quite a lot from the discussions. Here are some of my observations. First the similarities.
MSPs in both regions are cautiously optimistic about the economy and the future. While everyone displayed what I call typical entrepreneurial enthusiasm, both regions are taking a wait and see approach to their own spending, which is exactly what their clients are doing.Both cities did complain about small and "unprofessional" service providers who are trying to capitalize on existing market pressures by selling on price versus value. Almost nobody I heard from appreciates this behavior and a lot of time was spent on that issue.Now for the differences.
Boston definitely had a more open and collaborative spirit. Maybe MSPs in the south are simply more reserved but the amount of dialog going on in Boston amongst MSPs was noticeable. I will say by the end of the evening in Raleigh, everyone became more relaxed and started to network openly which I took as a good sign.
Overall, it was a great week to meet so many growing businesses from a variety if different vertical and service markets. My takeaway? The managed services industry is not slowing down!
Unfortunately, I do not think this is going to stop anytime soon. Until people begin to realize that price is not the only issue, but downtime, customer service, professionalism and knowledge of the environment are key to a rich experience, we will continue to see the battle on price by less qualified MSP’s.
Scott West, CMSP
CEO / CloudSway
http://www.cloudsway.com
I also agree. The MSP movement is at risk of the tradition hack plague, where the unqualified are creating negative vibes for managed services. Sometimes this works in our favor by offering a higher quality product over the Paine points that may exist. Other times although a better product, if sold on price, prospects want quality at no additional cost. The final issue is bad PR for negative MSP experiences that falls from the grade vine amongst professionals. Usually found to not even be a true MSP product. Most of our Job is to continue to educate our prospects and keep quality light years from a possible hack comparison. Quality quality quality…
Dee Rudko, CEO
AMRCON
http://www.AMRCON.COM
Charles,I thought both events were great and really enjoyed the discussions around the use of social media. Many of the attendees are finding interesting ways to leverage social media to stay connected to current customers and expand into new ones. During the meeting I mentioned how LinkedIn could be used as a way to educate local businesses about MSP services. After the meeting I did some checking and there are:46 LinkedIn business groups Raleigh228 LinkedIn business groups in BostonIf anyone wants me to send them the list please contact me at gfay@ninetechnology.comSincerely,GeneSenior Vice PresidentNine Technology
I totally agree with you. Educating the consumer is important. It’s equally important to present the industry in a positive light. This is why on the MSPAlliance website we strive for positive educational posts and try to stay away from salacious industry gossip, innuendo and sniping. There are too many consumers here looking for MSPs; although it’s important to let the consumer know the difference between a good MSP and a bad one, we must always remember to take the high road. Great post Dee!