The IT Experts Podcast

In this episode, we learn how being a member of The MSP Growth Hub helped influence the transformation Simon's business. Simon shares how revamping his business model, making strategic hires and implementing robust systems allowed him to step back without sacrificing service quality or business growth. His story is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the right support, proving that...

During one of our recent two-day intensive sessions, Julie shared some statistics about MSP leaders and their lack of regular one-to-ones with their teams. Shockingly, only about 50% of those in the room admitted to conducting regular one-to-one meetings with their team members. This means that half of them are missing out on a golden opportunity to build trust, enhance performance, and foster a c...

Seamus Lennon, VP of Operations at ThreatLocker , joins us to debunk common security myths and reduce the anxiety many MSPs feel about their security measures. Based in Dublin, with their headquarters in Florida, ThreatLocker has been at the forefront of zero trust endpoint security solutions for over eight years. With a rapidly growing team and an impressive client base of over 50,000 businesses...

Stuart started by setting the scene with a fundamental truth: time is our only finite resource. Whether you're scaling your MSP to that first £1,000,000 milestone or pushing towards the £5,000,000 mark, the effective management of your time can be a game-changer . Stuart reminded us that the key to making a significant impact is to be intentional with our time. Without deliberate planning, it's ea...

Ian begins by emphasising the importance of habits in maintaining consistent progress. He notes that while annual goals often lose their momentum as life's demands take over, small daily habits can keep individuals aligned with their vision and help them stay on track.   Introducing the gap and the gain concept by Dan Sullivan, Ian explains that many people measure their progress by the gap betwee...

Being a workplace mediator and mediation trainer, Julie Hutchison brings us a wealth of experience. She has seen it all, from minor office spats to full-blown conflicts. Her insights into dealing with toxic employees are invaluable for anyone looking to maintain a harmonious and pro ductive workplace.   We started by defining what we mean by toxic employees. According to Julie Hutchison, the term...

From the outset, Tracy emphasised the importance of strategy in driving the growth and success of an MSP. It's a term that often evokes yawns, but as Tracy pointed out, without a solid strategy, even the most technically proficient MSPs will struggle to grow. Tracy explained that many MSPs are founded by technically-minded individuals who may not have the broader business experience necessary to c...

We start by addressing the fundamental need for a structured approach to sales in the MSP sector. It's not about quick fixes or hoping for that golden unicorn prospect. Instead, it's about implementing a consistent process and understanding that building meaningful relationships takes time. We've crafted a comprehensive "shoe leather sales plan" designed to get your MSP on track with clear, action...

Gary Rayner, after 18 years in business and on the verge of reaching a seven-figure turnover, recognised the need to shift his approach to managing finances within his MSP. Initially, his in-house bookkeeper managed day-to-day invoicing and bookkeeping, a role that evolved from Gary himself to an ad-hoc helper, and finally, a dedicated in-house process. Despite his interest and involvement in fina...

Our conversation with Justin Neale was packed with useful tips and strategies to help improve customer experience and ultimately driv e higher profits for MSPs. Justin, who has an extensive background in customer experience from his time at Airbus Group, now dedicates his expertise to helping smaller, more nimble companies, including MSPs, optimize their customer journeys. We began by discussing w...

We begin by welcoming Rachel back to the podcast. She shares her experiences and the importance of self-care, emphasising how important it is for maintaining a balanced and productive life. Rachel's consultancy, Zest Lifestyle, focuses on helping individuals and teams become healthier and happier, ultimately enhancing engagement and productivity at work.   One of the key takeaways from our convers...

We kick off the discussion by addressing a common issue faced by many MSP owners: the lack of growth. Brian and I agree that often, the first step to resolving this issue is self-reflection. Brian highlights the importance of looking in the mirror and recognising that the current state of your business is a direct result of your actions and decisions. This concept might be tough to accept, but it'...

Fiona has spent over 25 years in the IT industry, with 16 of those years dedicated to running a successful sales training company. Two years ago, she took a step back from the industry, driven by personal milestones and a desire for change. Her son leaving for university provided her with a quiet house and a moment to reflect on her life and career. She realised that she was bored and needed to fi...

We kicked off the conversation by exploring how the MSP sector is currently valued at a staggering $548 billion, with an annual growth rate of 12%. This growth is particularly significant given the challenging global economic environment. Jay emphasised that the demand for managed services continues to rise, with 82% of businesses now outsourcing some or all of their IT needs. This shift marks a d...

Julie Hutchison joins us to simplify the concept of selling for those who find it intimidating. We start by addressing a common misconception: the belief that technical expertise and selling are mutually exclusive. Julie emphasises that selling isn't about having the gift of the gab or being inherently extroverted. Instead, it's about understanding the needs of your clients and offering solutions...

Mark Stevens' story begins in the quaint town of Melton Mowbray, known for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, but today, it's also becoming known for Mark1 IT Solutions. Mark's journey is a testament to the challenges and triumphs faced by many in the MSP sector. Joining us on the podcast, Mark openly shares the hurdles he encountered when transitioning from a traditional break-fix IT support menta...

Stuart discusses how often , in MSPs, conflict arises not because of big strategic disagreements but because of the minutiae—the small details that can become significant stumbling blocks . He emphasises the importance of rising above the 'weeds' of these details to gain a clearer, broader perspective of the business goals. This approach, he explains, helps in realigning team members by focusing o...

Our conversation kicked off with Rachel sharing highlights from her recent talk at CompTIA, stressing the importance of self-care in the busy world of IT and business. Rachel emphasized that looking after your self isn't just about avoiding illness— it 's about impr oving your quality of life. Rachel Williams believes a holistic approach to wel lness, focus ing on improving overall health and exte...

Understanding what you want from your business isn't just about setting financial targets; it's about aligning your personal dreams with your professional goals to create a fulfilling and sustainable business model. Stuart stresses the importance of personal vision in business. He discusses how easily MSP owners can become overwhelmed by daily operations, losing sight of their original motivations...

In our latest IT Experts Podcast episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of partnership in the MSP world through the lens of Joe Burns' compelling journey. Joe, a seasoned entrepreneur who has not only scaled but also successfully exited from an MSP, shares his experience into what happens when business partners discover their goals and ambitions are no longer aligned.     Joe Burns co-founded...

Our chat delved into the nitty-gritty of email security, an area that Ben is particularly passionate about. He explained that despite the abundance of emails, ensuring they reach their destination is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving security measures. This brings us to deliverability and the question: Why is it so hard to get email through these days? Ben pointed out that the landscap...

The crux of today's discussion revolves around the challenge many MSPs face: the constant barrage of communications from clients. This issue not only disrupts the workflow of MSPs but also poses a significant barrier to their growth and scalability. The question arises from an accountability call where clients shared their transformative experiences after implementing strategies to 'train' their c...

Stuart Faulkner's story is a great example that demonstrates that if you understand what you're really good at and play to your strengths, you can really start to get your business working for you . As the leader of ilicomm Technology Solutions, a growing MSP based in the West Midlands, Stuart found himself at a crossroads. Despite the company's outward success, Stuart felt that the business, and...

Throughout our conversation, Stuart offers -useful tips and sheds light on why , in our opinion, MSPs might not require a salesperson to achieve substantial growth. This viewpoint , while potentially controversial, is grounded in extensive experience and observations within the MSP industry. Stuart argues that for MSPs with a revenue of under £2 million, investing in a s alesperson m ay not be the...

Having cash in the bank, a steady stream of clients, and a growing team might seem like indicators of success, but as we explore with Stuart, success in the MSP world is much more subjective than it first appears. Our conversation unpicks the complexities of defining and measuring success in a sector where survival can often overshadow strategic growth.    When starting your MSP, the initial focus...