The vCIO Playbook Part 2 – Mindset
To excel as a vCIO, adopting the right mindset is crucial. Let’s explore effective strategies for creating strong client relationships and establishing yourself as an indispensable, trusted tech advisor. Start Strong with Strategic Alignment The cornerstone of your role as a vCIO is a profound understanding of your client’s business. This understanding starts with […]
The vCIO Playbook Part 1 – Goals
Starting a role as a vCIO can be both exhilarating and daunting. Understanding the details of vCIO services and identifying your initial steps are critical to your success. This guide will demystify the vCIO role, highlighting its pivotal goals and outlining a process to excel in delivering value to your clients. The Goals of […]
From Shock to Awe: How We Transformed Our MSP into a User-First Powerhouse
In 2003, we started our MSP, but it wasn’t until a startling wake-up call a few years back that I truly understood the core of our business. This moment of clarity was precipitated by an unexpected phone call: a valued client of over ten years, who contributed significantly with $14K in MRR, announced their decision […]
The Secret Ingredient in vCIO Services That Changes Everything
As an MSP, understanding your clients’ core needs and goals is not just beneficial—it’s imperative. In our MSP, vCIO services have been marked by a continuous evolution aimed at perfecting this. Here’s how we’ve refined our approach to exceed our clients’ expectations! The Genesis of Strategic Alignment In the early days of our MSP, […]
“vCIO Talks” w/ Bryan Lukralle
In this episode of “vCIO Talks”, Simon chats with Bryan Lukralle, VP Client Strategy at Charter Technology Solutions (CTS). Charter Technology Solutions is an MSP primarily servicing Charter Schools in New York state. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0zyXDdUGs0 vCIO Talks is a podcast about vCIOs talking to vCIOs, discussing their business and their vision for the MSP and strategic […]
Example Disclaimer Letter
Contact First Name, Last Name CLIENT COMPANY NAME The purpose of this letter is to confirm, in writing, your acknowledgement of the presence of servers and computers (Annex A) running an unsupported version of the Microsoft Windows operating system on your infrastructure and that you are also aware of the associated risks. Every version of […]
Setting the Right vCIO Objectives
We all know that compensation is a driver of behaviour. Choosing the right objectives to give bonuses to vCIOs is critical to get the behaviour you are looking for. The wrong objectives could have unforeseen effects and break what you are trying to achieve. I’m a strong believer that the vCIO’s #1 priority is to […]
Ditch the QBRs
Ditch the quarterly business reviews! I have never been a fan of the term “quarterly business review” (QBR) for a bunch of reasons. For one, I don’t think you can do a proper business review in a single meeting. The term QBR implies you will review the service that was delivered, analyze metrics, identify problems […]
Your Standards Are Your DNA
Your standards are your DNA as an MSP. If someone was to log onto to one of your client’s network, they should almost be able to know you are managing them just by going through how everything is configured. The standards by which you setup your clients are your DNA. These should be unique to […]
How to Address Ticking Timebombs Clients
We all have clients that just won’t approve any projects and their infrastructure just keeps getting older and older. It’s so bad that it becomes a bit of a running joke in MSPs. This client is now a ticking timebomb and a real risk for our MSP. We find ourselves asking “How did we get […]
