In this episode, we dive into the critical timing of your communications to maximize referrals. Building on our discussion of the ‘who,’ ‘what,’ and ‘why,’ we now explore the ‘when,’ ‘where,’ and ‘how’—focusing on Environment Sabotage and how MSPs often miss key referral opportunities.

Discover how to strategically time your interactions and leverage specific business signals to generate more referrals. Learn about the BUMPS framework (Business, Usage, Marketing, People, and Satisfaction) and how it can help you identify prime moments for asking for referrals. From business reviews and project completions to onboarding and industry events, we cover the essential timings you control and those you don’t.

Tune in to uncover practical tips and examples that will transform your referral strategy and help you create a continuous stream of new business.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In this episode, we dive into the heart of effective communication—focusing on what you offer and how you present it. Building on our previous discussion about identifying your stakeholders, we now explore the power of reiteration in marketing and the importance of emphasising benefits over features.

Discover why reiteration is crucial in today's age of information overload and learn practical tips on how to make your messages stick. We'll also look at how to transform mundane product features into compelling benefits that resonate with your audience.

Tune in to learn how to craft messages that not only capture attention but also drive action. Don’t miss out—this episode is packed with insights that will transform your communication strategy!

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In this episode, we're building on our previous discussions about effectively communicating with your stakeholder groups. Last time, we talked about onboarding clients, staff, and suppliers, and the importance of developing your referral packs. We also began exploring the process of growing your prospect list, emphasising the "connect, communicate, and cooperate" mantra.

Today, we'll delve deeper into:

• Starting with an Offer: Learn why offering value upfront is crucial for both inbound and outbound marketing, and how to avoid the pitfalls of repetitive offers.
• Changing the Bait: Discover the benefits of rotating and cycling your offers to keep them fresh and appealing to different segments of your audience.
• Leveraging Events: Understand the power of events in attracting prospects and engaging your current clients, and get practical tips on organising compelling events.
• Communication Strategies: Get insights into maintaining regular communication with stakeholders through newsletters and tailored content, and how to avoid communication sabotage.

Join us as we explore these key strategies to ensure your MSP's communication efforts are effective and engaging.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In this episode, we're continuing our deep dive into building a robust communication framework for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

Last time, we covered the essentials of different stakeholders and the importance of onboarding your staff and clients. We also explored the concept of a referral pack that not only incentivises referrals but also enhances the referrer’s reputation. Today, we take it a step further by focusing on:

• Onboarding Your Suppliers: Learn how to effectively engage with your suppliers, ensuring they understand your referral process and can actively contribute to your network.
• Maintaining Regular Communication: Discover strategies to keep your staff, clients, and suppliers in the loop through consistent, engaging communications.
• Setting Up Regular Marketing Communications: Understand the importance of a weekly content strategy that keeps your brand top of mind across all stakeholder groups.
• Reaching Out to Prospects: Get practical tips on expanding your contact list and the critical role of outbound calls in driving business growth.

Join us as we unpack these vital strategies, ensuring you have a comprehensive approach to communicating with your key stakeholders. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you strengthen relationships, increase referrals, and grow your MSP business.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

Welcome back to another episode of Rampant Referrals for MSPs! Today, we're diving deep into the world of referral marketing specifically tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

We kick off by revisiting the product matrix and exploring strategies to increase sales and value within the MSP framework. From identifying gaps in your offerings to optimising pricing and upselling techniques, we cover it all.

But that's just the beginning. We then delve into building a robust communications framework that engages every stakeholder in your MSP ecosystem, from clients and prospects to suppliers and strategic partners. We highlight the importance of onboarding processes for staff and clients, emphasising the value of introducing referral concepts early on.

In the heart of the episode, we discuss the power of referral packs for MSPs. Learn how to create enticing referral incentives that not only encourage referrals but also strengthen client relationships. From branded merchandise to tech gadgets and security-themed goodies, we provide practical ideas to make your referral program stand out.

Tune in now to discover actionable strategies and tips to unlock the full referral potential for your MSP business. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone in the MSP community!

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In our previous episode, we delved into the "why" of referral sabotage, covering various reasons such as neglecting to ask for referrals, inconsistency in communication, and failure to acknowledge or reward referrals. Today, we shift our focus to the "what" of referral sabotage – the actual products and services you offer.

We explore how gaps in communication about your offerings can lead to missed opportunities, and how to ensure your clients are fully aware of all the products and services you provide. From identifying gaps in their IT estate to offering complementary services, we discuss strategies to maximise sales and revenue for your MSP business.

Join us as we uncover practical methods to enhance your communication strategy, both internally and externally, to optimise your referral network. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with actionable insights to overcome challenges and strengthen your referral network effectively.

Tune in to learn how to navigate the "what" of referral sabotage and take your MSP business to the next level.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In our last episode, we explored the crucial communication channels within MSP operations. Today, we uncover the common pitfalls that sabotage effective communication and hinder referral generation.

From neglecting to ask for referrals to inconsistency in brand messaging, we'll dive into the reasons why MSPs don't get as many referrals as they should. We'll also discuss how miscommunication during onboarding and a lack of differentiation can impact your referral flow.

By the end of this episode, you'll discover actionable steps to overcome these challenges and grow your referral network.

Tune in to learn how to improve your communication and boost your referrals!

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In our last episode, we explored how personality traits can either support or impede referral growth within MSPs. We emphasised the importance of traits like empathy, trustworthiness, enthusiasm, and likeability in nurturing client relationships and driving referrals.

This time, we will focus on the intricate landscape of communication within MSP operations. We'll navigate through four key communication categories, from internal staff dynamics to external stakeholder engagement. Along the way, we'll uncover common hurdles and offer practical solutions to elevate communication effectiveness.

Join us as we uncover strategies to optimise communication and supercharge your referral flow in the latest episode of our podcast.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In this episode, we continue our exploration of factors that can hinder referral flow for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). This time, we dive into the realm of personalities and how they can impact client relationships and referrals.

We begin by acknowledging that companies are comprised of individuals with distinct personalities, and not all traits are conducive to fostering referrals. The main culprits identified include underestimating the importance of soft skills, neglecting the emotional aspect of service, lacking personal connection, and demonstrating unprofessional behavior. 

To counteract these challenges, we discuss the personality traits that should be fostered within MSPs. Tune in to learn how you can enhance client satisfaction, strengthen relationships, and ultimately drive referral growth by prioritising traits such as empathy, trustworthiness, enthusiasm, and likeability.

Make sure to join us next time as we delve into communication strategies and how they can either facilitate or hinder referral flow for MSPs.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd

In this episode, we delve into the factors that affect clients' motivation to refer Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and how these motivations can be sabotaged. Drawing parallels with Newton's Laws of Motion, we explore the concept that motivation is essential for action and can be influenced by various forces and frictions.

We start off by mentioning ill-considered incentives, emphasising the need for appropriate referral programs, and highlighting the importance of minimising friction in the referral process to encourage client participation.

Then, we look at why clients might be reluctant to refer, and the significance of addressing their concerns through effective communication and relationship-building strategies.

Finally, we conclude the episode by looking at the role of creating "wow" moments in inspiring clients to become advocates. We explore how personalised gratuities and incentives tailored to individual preferences can enhance motivation for referrals.

Join us next time as we explore how MSPs can inadvertently hinder referral flow through personality-related sabotage, and uncover strategies to mitigate these challenges effectively.

Mike Knight MBA FCIM Director, MKLINK Ltd