All Things MSP

In this episode of All Things/MSP, Justin and Eric explore one of the most critical shifts happening in the managed IT services industry: moving beyond commoditized services and working toward delivering real business outcomes for clients. They discuss the difference between simply fixing IT problems and helping clients grow by offering consultative solutions that address core business challenges. Through personal stories and industry insights, Justin shares how MSPs can identify opportunities for driving growth, such as recognizing trends in service tickets or adopting a more strategic approach with clients. The conversation includes practical tips on transitioning from a fix-it mentality to becoming a trusted partner that influences business success.The episode also features a “From the Group” discussion about the relevance of business cards in today’s digital world, including whether they still hold value for MSPs at trade shows.If you’re an MSP owner or technician looking to elevate your business and better serve your clients, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to go beyond technical fixes and start offering services that truly impact your clients' bottom line.

In this episode of All Things MSP, we dive deep into the cybersecurity challenges facing managed service providers with guest Wayne Selk, VP of Cybersecurity Programs at CompTIA. Wayne shares his expert insights on how most MSPs struggle with cybersecurity—often failing to address internal vulnerabilities before advising clients. Discover actionable strategies MSPs can implement today to improve security measures, including the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology. We’ll also explore CompTIA's Cybersecurity Trustmark, a valuable certification for MSPs looking to establish credibility and secure their operations against growing cyber threats. If you're an MSP owner or employee navigating the complexities of cybersecurity, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you protect your business and clients. Don’t miss the chance to learn how to future-proof your MSP and stay ahead of upcoming regulations.

In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, host Eric Anthony sits down with Arlin Sorensen, VP of Ecosystem Evangelism at ConnectWise, to dive deep into profitability strategies for managed service providers (MSPs). As MSPs face increasing uncertainty in today’s economic climate, many are struggling to maintain profitability—some even losing money. Arlin shares key insights into why 20% of MSPs report financial losses and provides actionable advice to reverse that trend. He explores the crucial role of owner-led sales, common mistakes MSPs make with sales staff, and why it's essential to have a well-defined target client profile.This episode also addresses how MSPs can grow by focusing on delivering exceptional service to existing clients rather than chasing new business. Arlin emphasizes the importance of controlling expenses, building a financial cushion, and aligning product offerings with customer needs. He also shares how MSPs can leverage new technologies like AI and automation to boost revenue.Tune in to learn how to navigate tough economic cycles, improve sales strategies, and, most importantly, how to run a profitable MSP business in both good and challenging times.Don't miss these valuable insights from an industry leader!

In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony take a deep dive into compliance for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, compliance has become a top priority for MSPs looking to protect their businesses and their clients. Justin and Eric explore the various frameworks, from NIST to HIPAA, that MSPs need to be aware of as we head into 2024.They break down the complexities of compliance, emphasizing that it’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about implementing practical, actionable policies that safeguard your clients' data and protect your MSP from liability. The hosts also discuss how MSPs can leverage tools and processes to simplify compliance management, from automated documentation to ongoing monitoring.Whether you're already addressing compliance or just starting to consider it, this episode is packed with essential tips on how to sell compliance as a service, streamline your approach, and avoid costly mistakes that could leave your business vulnerable. Get ready to elevate your MSP's approach to compliance and ensure you're fully prepared for 2024.

In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony explore the ongoing debate of whether larger managed service providers (MSPs) truly hold an advantage over smaller MSPs, especially as we approach 2025. With a rapidly evolving IT services landscape, they dive into why smaller MSPs remain not only relevant but essential for SMB clients.They highlight key growth opportunities for smaller firms, emphasizing the unique strengths that smaller MSPs can leverage to stay competitive. From tailoring services to niche markets to maintaining a more agile business model, Justin and Eric explain how staying relevant doesn’t always mean scaling up. In fact, as larger MSPs pivot to serve medium to enterprise-level clients, smaller businesses are finding a gap that only smaller, nimble MSPs can fill.Listeners will also discover practical advice for optimizing service offerings, increasing profitability without scaling up, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Whether you’re a one-person operation or running a growing team, this episode provides insight into maintaining a profitable, sustainable MSP business that fits your personal goals.Tune in to hear why being small can be your biggest advantage in the MSP world!

In this episode of All Things MSP, we sit down with Shrav Mehta, CEO of Secureframe, to explore the importance of compliance in today’s MSP landscape. Shrav shares valuable insights into how managed service providers can streamline their compliance processes using automation and AI, making security simpler and more efficient. Whether you're already working with frameworks like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, or just beginning to think about compliance, this episode is packed with actionable tips for IT service providers.Shrav explains why MSPs need to be compliant, not just for their own protection, but for their clients. With real-world examples of how even minor security oversights can lead to major breaches, he stresses the importance of getting it right and shares how Secureframe helps MSPs continuously monitor and meet compliance standards. The episode also covers gap assessments, why SOC 2 is often the go-to framework for tech companies, and the role of automation in simplifying security checks.This is a must-listen for any MSP looking to level up their security game, protect their business, and ensure they’re fully prepared for future challenges.Tune in to learn:- The biggest compliance mistakes MSPs make
- How Secureframe’s tools make SOC 2 compliance easier
- Why your MSP should embrace security automation now

Hiring your first employee can make or break your Managed Service Provider (MSP) business. In this episode of All Things MSP, Eric Anthony and Justin Esgar dive into the nuances of making the right hire and how it impacts the long-term growth of your company. They break down the essential roles—admin, tech, sales, and marketing—that every MSP needs to scale effectively. Learn why many MSP owners mistakenly hire a salesperson too soon and how to determine which role will provide the best return on investment. Whether you’re considering hiring an admin to free up time for more billable work or bringing in technical expertise to focus on the business side, this episode offers insights that will help you avoid common mistakes.The hosts also touch on part-time versus full-time hiring, leveraging the gig economy, and even the value of apprenticeships. Plus, hear real-world examples of what worked (and didn’t work) for MSPs across the country. If you’re struggling to decide when and who to hire first for your MSP, this episode is packed with practical advice tailored to technical business owners.Tune in to ensure your MSP is hiring for success and not setting up for failure.Keywords: MSP hiring, managed services, first hire, IT service provider, business growth, scaling MSP, technical staff

In this episode of the All Things MSP Podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into critical topics that are transforming the Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape. With the rapid evolution of technology, MSPs face new challenges and opportunities in security, identity management, and compliance.

Justin shares his experiences and insights from a recent training event, emphasizing the importance of getting out of the everyday office environment to think strategically about business improvements. The hosts explore how MSPs can leverage Apple’s Platform SSO for seamless identity management and discuss the benefits of integrating Microsoft Defender for endpoint protection on Macs.

The episode also covers the latest in compliance requirements, highlighting why MSPs must adopt robust security measures, including device encryption, password management, and firewall activation. Justin and Eric provide practical advice on implementing these measures efficiently, ensuring that MSPs can meet growing regulatory demands while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Whether you’re an MSP owner, a technician, or someone passionate about the industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the tools and strategies that can help you stay ahead in the ever-changing world of managed IT services. Tune in to learn how to enhance your MSP’s security posture, streamline compliance processes, and deliver exceptional value to your clients.

In this episode of the All Things MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and its growing presence in managed IT services. With their signature humor and candor, they explore whether AI is truly a revolutionary technology or just the latest tech fad being overhyped by vendors. Drawing parallels to past trends like IoT and dark mode, Justin and Eric question the necessity of AI in every product and discuss the impact this has on MSPs and their clients.They also highlight the practical uses of AI in everyday MSP operations, providing tips on how to educate clients about AI, its risks, and its potential. This episode is packed with insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice for managed service providers looking to navigate the AI landscape without getting caught up in the hype. Tune in to hear their take on what AI can truly offer and how MSPs can leverage it effectively.

In this episode of the All Things/MSP podcast, hosts Justin Esgar and Eric Anthony dive into the growing tension between Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and their vendors. The discussion kicks off with a recent frustrating experience where a vendor terminated a partnership over inactivity—sparking a broader conversation about outdated sales tactics, the shifting power dynamics in the MSP industry, and the importance of maintaining positive vendor relationships. Justin’s candid reflections on this issue highlight the real-world challenges MSPs face when vendors fail to adapt to the evolving landscape. From the complexities of vendor contracts to the critical role of social media in shaping MSP reputations, this episode provides valuable insights for MSPs looking to navigate vendor relationships more effectively. Whether you're an MSP owner or employee, this episode offers actionable advice on how to maintain control over your business relationships and avoid the common pitfalls vendors may set.