If you’re up for some historical research, every single one of these posts has and will continue with an appeal to consider Auxzillium as your Managed Services Provider (MSP). The appeal is made in relation to the subject matter being discussed. However, there is a holistic context into which all these posts can be classified. Mainly, Strategic Partnership.
That term can get bantered about in the MSP space quite often, but what does it really mean? My goal isn’t to be comprehensive. For, if I were to do that, I’d gain the ire of those who post these things and have limited me to a specific number of words. At that point, AI can get involved and creatively reduce my output.
When you partner with an MSP, you shouldn’t limit your expectations to tech support.
In fact, your expectations should be much broader, and your MSP should possess the capability of entertaining those expectations. If they can’t, then they should say so and respectfully decline to partner with you. That is the first and most important consideration. Why? Because that shows the value an MSP places on meeting your needs. All of them. Every business is different and a strategic partner should value the success of your business and the long-term retention of it. If your business is only considered something beneficial to their bottom line, they are laying the foundation for a subsequent failure.
Now, needs can be classified in a myriad of ways. Although not exhaustive, the list should include steering, closed-loop communication, forecasting, metrics, performance reviews, finances, and even the human element. All of these contribute overwhelmingly to your business (all of it) not only feeling satisfied, but confident.
Many MSP’s may excel in one or more areas, but not all. What if an MSP understands your budget, makes the best recommendations, always answers the phone, but isn’t innovative? How can they make the best recommendations and not be innovative? Because they offer an option without explaining how it compares to others and why it was selected.
I’ve heard prospects say their MSP was bought out and the service levels dipped. The service they used to receive came with familiar names and faces. All of that disappeared. I’ve heard prospects express a lack of confidence in their MSP taking them to the “next level”. I’ve even seen a business express interest in competitors because they used a modern catchphrase and have almost no experience with it. One concern is service oriented. One is innovation oriented. The other is sales oriented.
No MSP is going to be perfect. However, your business needs an MSP that values the direction and success of your business as much as it does its own. Partnering with you by developing a relationship fostered on excellent communication, confidence, and trust enhances the service delivery experience and enables your business to pave the best path.
These are principles Auxzillium consistently endeavors to improve and form lasting bonds with all our partners.
