Managed service providers and other partners face the same economic uncertainty as everyone else.
But in addition to adjusting to supply chain challenges and high inflation, channel business owners also have to make decisions around staffing. That compounds risk. Because the number and type of experts on hand directly impacts end users, MSPs have to maintain caution toward any layoffs or slowdowns in hiring. And yet, keeping too many people on the payroll can push a partner out of the delicate revenue-outlay balance.
Indeed, even giant corporations — think Zoom, Rackspace, Amazon, Google and more — face that same fine line. However, for smaller firms, the effects of any cuts can run deeper and last longer; losing even one client amid economic uncertainty takes a greater toll on finances and reputation. MSPs and other partners don’t need customers thinking they don’t have enough people on staff to handle their requirements.
[Editor's Note: See and hear more than 150 channel visionaries and experts speaking at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo. The event also features more than 375 ICT companies in the massive expo hall. Register now for the world’s largest independent channel event, May 1-4, at the Venetian in Las Vegas.]
That’s just one of the topics four longtime MSP executives will tackle during the Channel Partners Conference & Expo keynote panel, “Using the Current Economic Climate to Your Advantage.”
They’ll also address other subjects, including keeping in frequent touch with customers and finding unique ways to approach the economic uncertainty that doesn’t look to wane any time soon.
To those points, Ron Lovern, Neil Medwed, Jason Rincker and Len DiCostanzo all will share their experience and advice on May 1. Lovern serves as executive vice president of Texas-based Triton Networks. He will moderate the keynote panel. Medwed will join from Texas-headquartered Meriplex, where he works as vice president of corporate development and M&A. Rincker, meanwhile, comes from Joplin, Missouri-based Stronghold Data; he acts as director of revenue. Finally, DiCostanzo founded and leads MSP Toolkit, which connects MSPs with vetted vendors.
If you’re among the many channel partners working to navigate economic uncertainty, and achieve positive outcomes, the “Current Economic Climate” keynote will be a can’t-miss event.
In the meantime, take advantage of this preview article to get a better feel for what the session will cover. Responses have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity.