Welcome to a brand new episode of Core Connection! Join Rob Shelton and co-host Lane Taylor as they dive into an intriguing discussion that draws fascinating parallels between the Masters golf tournament and the realm of business and brand building.
They highlight 6 points that compare The Masters & MSP's!
1. Precision & Reliability
Masters: Every detail of the tournament is carefully curated—from the perfectly trimmed fairways to how the broadcast is handled. It’s all about consistency and reliability.
MSP for Associations: Associations rely on MSPs to keep their IT systems and digital operations running smoothly, 24/7. There’s no room for downtime or sloppy execution—reliability builds trust.
In both cases: Flawless execution isn’t a luxury; it’s the standard.
2. Trust & Security
Masters: Augusta National has built a trusted brand over decades. Fans, players, and sponsors know what to expect—no surprises.
MSP: Associations need their MSP to be a trusted guardian of sensitive member data, internal communications, and digital infrastructure.
Security, discretion, and reliability are shared core values.
3. Scalability Without Sacrificing Quality
Masters: The event has grown in global reach without compromising its intimate, traditional feel. They’ve mastered the art of scaling up with intention.
MSP: As associations grow, MSPs must scale services (cloud, cybersecurity, helpdesk, integrations) without losing the personalized support and service level agreements (SLAs).
Growth with grace is a shared challenge.
4. Strategic Support
Masters: Success isn’t just about the player's raw skill—it’s their strategic thinking: course management, risk/reward decisions, and adapting to each hole.
MSP: A strong MSP isn’t just a fix-it crew—they help associations think long-term about their tech stack, cybersecurity posture, data strategy, and digital transformation.
It’s not just tactical support—it’s partnership-level thinking.
5. Elite Experience = Loyalty
Masters: Those who attend, watch, or participate come back again and again. There’s a sense of privilege and prestige that builds deep loyalty.
MSP: When an MSP delivers consistently excellent service, solves pain points proactively, and helps drive association goals, it creates long-term member and staff loyalty.
Experience is everything—both on the green and in the cloud.
6. Quiet Excellence, Not Flashy Noise
Masters: Minimalist marketing, no loud sponsors everywhere. It’s not about shouting—it’s about showing up with quiet confidence.
MSP: The best MSPs don’t necessarily make the most noise—they’re behind the scenes, quietly keeping everything running. They show value through results, not flash.
Final Thought:
You could say the Masters is the gold standard for what it means to consistently deliver excellence and elevate experience. An MSP for associations, when done right, plays a similar role: behind-the-scenes architect of smooth operations, proactive strategy, and long-term growth.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Opening + Introduction to the Masters Theme
02:15 – Personal Stories about Visiting the Masters
05:10 – Parallels between the Masters & Business/Branding
08:45 – Trust, Consistency & Brand Loyalty
12:20 – Strategic Technology Use by the Masters
15:10 – Par 3 Challenge & the Human Side of Business
18:30 – Campos Story & the Power of Experience
21:00 – Creating the MSP Experience at Design Data
23:45 – Trust, Security, and Brand Integrity
26:15 – Final Thoughts: Gold Standard & Emotional Ties
28:00 – Predictions & Closing Remarks
