7 Steps to Finding Time to Work on Growing Your MSP Business

We understand the relentless demands and challenges that come with running an MSP, particularly when you’re a relatively small business. The constant juggling of client needs, technical issues, and operational tasks can leave little room for strategic planning and growth. However, it’s essential to find the time to work on your business rather than just in it if you want to achieve sustainable growth and success. In this blog, we’ll explore seven valuable tips to help IT managed service providers strike that balance and optimize their operations.

1. Prioritize and Delegate

One of the first steps in gaining more time to work on your MSP business is to identify your most critical tasks. Once you’ve categorized your responsibilities, prioritize those that only you can handle and delegate the rest. Effective delegation is a skill that can significantly free up your time. Train your team, set clear expectations, and trust them to manage tasks efficiently. This allows you to focus on high-value activities such as business strategy, innovation, and growth initiatives.

2. Invest in Automation

Automation is a game-changer for IT service providers. Implementing the right tools and processes can streamline routine tasks and reduce the need for manual intervention. From network monitoring to ticket management, automation can significantly boost efficiency. Try to spend some time researching and adopting automation solutions that are specifically tailored to your business needs. The investment could save you countless hours, and make your time way more efficient, which in turn allows you to concentrate on strategic business decisions.

3. Develop a Scalable Service Model

Scaling your IT managed service business requires a service model that can grow with your client base. By creating standardized processes and service offerings, you’ll be better equipped to handle increasing demands without overwhelming your team. Develop service packages that can be easily replicated and adapted for various clients, reducing the need for customization on every project. This scalability allows you to serve more clients efficiently while maintaining service quality.

4. Outsource Non-Core Functions

As an MSP, your expertise lies in delivering exceptional IT services. As such, it’s crucial to recognize that not every aspect of your business needs to be managed in-house. Outsourcing non-core functions like accounting, HR, or marketing can free up your time and resources. Partner with professionals who specialize in these areas, allowing you to focus on what you do best—providing top-notch IT services.

5. Embrace Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is the compass that guides your managed services business toward its goals. Allocate time regularly to review your business strategy, set objectives, and make necessary adjustments. Ensure that your strategic plan encompasses short-term and long-term goals, allowing you to stay proactive and adapt to industry changes. Without a well-defined strategy, you risk being reactive and getting caught up in the day-to-day operations.

6. Implement Effective Time Management

Lastly, mastering time management is essential for reclaiming your schedule and working on your business. Use tools like calendars, task lists, and productivity apps to stay organized and focused. Prioritize your most critical tasks and allocate dedicated time blocks for strategic planning and business development. Avoid multitasking and set boundaries to protect your work-life balance, ensuring that your efforts are both effective and sustainable.

7. Networking: The Power of Peers

Networking is an often overlooked but vital aspect of success for IT managed service providers. Attending industry events, conferences, and seminars can provide you with valuable insights, connections, and opportunities. Engaging with peers in your field allows you to share experiences, exchange best practices, and stay updated on industry trends. These interactions can lead to partnerships, referrals, and fresh perspectives that can transform your business.

Conclusion

Balancing the demands of working in your MSP business with the necessity of working on it is a challenging but crucial endeavor. By prioritizing and delegating tasks, embracing automation, developing scalable service models, outsourcing non-core functions, engaging in strategic planning, and networking with peers, you can help find the time and space you need to grow your business. Remember, success doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of deliberate actions and thoughtful planning.

Boost your business know-how at Empower

With so many events to choose from making sure you get the right event is crucial. If you’ve not attended N‑able’s Empower you’re missing something special. But don’t take our word for it, here’s some of the things our partners have to say about our Empower events:

Erik Jedinak, Ethical IT: “Most of the time I spend with vendors, it’s time wasted. Yes, you’re building a relationship, but you’re not really gaining any value. Whereas with N‑able I do feel I’m getting value and information within the conferences.”

Lee Robinson, Meta Eagle: “N‑able’s Empower events are great. Networking and meeting peers is always a good thing. In today’s age it’s all about collaboration rather than competition and you always come away from these events, having a good relationship with N‑able and other vendors at the event, but also having forged strong relationships with other MSPs across the globe.”

Alan Turnbull, Kick ICT: “The balance between the social, the network, and the content has made it [Empower Prague] pretty special and I look forward to coming back. This has been the best event that I have ever been to.”

Our next Empower is taking place at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Texas from March 25-28, 2024. Register here.

Pete Roythorne is Senior Brand Content Editor at N‑able