Ask Yourself as an MSP Leader: What Do You Want?

I like to reflect after TruMethods Peer meetings. Analyzing the numbers gives me a deeper insight into what’s really happening and how I can better support MSPs on a larger scale in the future.

After our most recent meeting, I noticed that the group’s average growth and profitability are on the rise, outpacing the industry — this is, of course, something I’m thrilled about! However, I also pay close attention to distribution. It’s encouraging to see the new logo growth percentage increase, but I’m equally concerned with the MSPs that had no new sales for the quarter. To me, this is an even more critical metric.

My approach to coaching, mentoring, and leading peer groups has evolved over the years, in line with how my views on business, success, leadership, and life have also shifted. In recent years, as the weight of owning businesses for over two decades has been lifted, I see the effects of that weight differently in people. Some people rise above it, while others get stuck.

The most important thing is having a clear vision of what you want. What do you want your life to look like in five years? More importantly, what if it looked the same as it does today, in terms of your business, your finances, and your day-to-day work? Many people assume the future will be better, despite their current results not supporting that expectation. This is why we ask our peer members to focus on developing life AND business plans, not just a business plan.

With that in mind, I’d like to pose a few questions for you to consider:

1. What do you really want? (Take some time on this one!)

2. What are you willing to do to get there? Are you prepared to change your priorities and be more accountable for those changes? Are you willing to set limits on what you will tolerate in terms of results? This willingness to change and set boundaries is a key differentiating factor in people’s progress.

Having a clear goal and understanding where you want to be, along with what you’re willing to do—and most importantly, sacrifice — are key factors differentiating those who succeed from those who don’t.