Rob Rae, known as the "godfather of the channel," shares insights from his extensive experience in the MSP industry. He discusses the significance of building relationships and fostering community within the IT sector, emphasizing how these factors contribute to long-term business success. Rae reflects on his early experiences with ASCII events and how they shaped his understanding of the MSP community. 

The conversation explores the changing nature of technology consumption, influenced by the pandemic and the preferences of younger generations. Rae highlights the shift towards marketplace models and the importance of adapting to new buying behaviors. He also touches on Pax8's recent and upcoming events, including Beyond 2023 in Denver and the upcoming Beyond Berlin, showcasing the company's growth and international expansion. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Community building is crucial in the MSP industry
• The pandemic and younger generations are driving changes in technology consumption
• Marketplaces are becoming increasingly important in the IT sector
• Face-to-face relationships still hold value in the MSP world
• The lifetime value of contracts through MSPs is significantly higher than direct vendor sales
• The MSP industry is experiencing substantial growth, with predictions of billion-dollar MSPs in the near future
• Balancing professionalism with approachability is important in business interactions
• International expansion is a key focus for major players in the MSP space

Links:

ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.com/

Pax8: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/

=== Show Information

• Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
• Host: Marvin Bee
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