I have an interesting industry observation I’d like to share with you. Why is that the most successful MSPs in our space attend the fewest events? Conversely, less successful MSPs attend too many events. Let me assert my argument.
Successful MSPs
I won’t name names but here we go.
Mid-west MSP: This gentleman goes back to the start of SBS. We met on the partner advisory council in 1998. We were all young and dumb but several elevated in our community. He used to attend the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC) (which then became Inspire) as his annual event.
It was very strategic as it allowed him to meet up with larger MSPs (Gold Partners) as well as literally lead for fun parade -hint: SBS 2003 launch in New Orleans). Fast forward the movie and the company he started recently had a serious seven-figure exit. His success is well deserved.
UPDATE: He attends IT Nation now. I’ll introduce you as I’ll be there and we can go find him 😉
Southwest MSP.
Another self-made successful MSP recently shared his updated view on MSP industry events. I asked how many events do you attend a year? He replied ZERO! He is focused on his business and some outside investments and doesn’t see value in taking the time to attend MSP industry event (trust me – there are many to select from). A three-day event can be a five day investment travel time factored in. The one event he previously attended was WPC. My conversation continued. He’s old school in the sense that he wants to own his MSP practice and not be acquired (never say never).
Vancouver BC
This dude was more on the MSP vendor-side having started, owned and operated a help desk service for MSPs. He’s moved to other things now. His answer was simple when asked how many technology events he attends: NONE! Basically, he didn’t need to.Case closed.
Traits
There are a few things the folks above have in common and it almost reads like a Covey book (maybe his organization could write a book called “The Seven Habits of Highly effective MSPs” lol). A couple of words that come to mind are focused and strategic.
Event Whores
Then there is the other side. And you don’t have to look far to see them Just check LinkedIn pics of MSPs events with MSPs who attend (it feels like an event a week). Oh and these posted pics are usually a “groupie” where everyone has a drink in-hand (a lot of MSP events provide free food and booze).
My experience with these folks are out having too much fun, partying and NOT growing their MSP practice. I’ve known several of these MSPs that either degraded their business or their business coach told them to stop going to so many events. Honestly, the event content becomes redundant including the guest speakers (I do not need to see a great speaker Kevin Mitnick AGAIN lol). Serious update. As I researched this blog, I found out that Kevin Mitnick died in June 2023 – I met him a couple times in my role as blogger/analyst. Bottom line is he was a good man)
For some event whores I’ve observed, it’s almost an addiction with the bright lights and endless parties. Guys – I’d offer you just only need to go to a few targeted events a year. 😉
Final thoughts
I’m not selling against myself folks as I produce small one-day workshops called MSP Rescue. But something I believe strongly in is that my events are serious and almost academic. I’m not a vendorfest with an award for each vendor. And I’m not a festival with celebrity speakers like NFL quarterback Payton Manning. I can’t afford it and neither can you. Hey someone has to pay for all this too fun stuff. .
Another thing I hear and see is that there are too many events. You could go to 2+ events a week. Fact check me by looking at the best industry calendar Ive seen at Channel Program
Bottom line. If you want to be successful, hang out with successful people. I’ll leave it up to you what that means but consider just a few targeted MSP events unless you want free booze a couple times a week.
PS = Be sure to check out and register for our MSP Technology makeover with a $5K first prize for the MSP and twenty laptops to help you give a makeover to a deserving SMB client. It all starts HERE