5 Signs It’s Time to Consider a New MSP!

If you are reading this article, then you probably already know what a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is and how partnering with one can benefit your business. However, if that is not the case, then consider reading these articles first: 

• 5 Reasons To Replace Your MSP Now! You’ll discover key indicators that your MSP isn’t serving you anymore.

• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Managed IT Services. You’ll learn what an MSP is and what it can do for your small business.
• How Will My Business and IT Team Benefit From an MSP Partner? You’ll further understand the advantages of working with an MSP and the impact on your internal IT team (if you have one).

5 Indicators That Your MSP Is Failing You

If you are currently using an MSP to support your IT needs but are finding that those services are not meeting your expectations, consider the following five indicators that now may be the right time for a change. 

1. No Technology Roadmap

Do you have IT support for problems that arise but lack overall direction with your IT? If so, your business needs a technology roadmap provided by a new MSP.  

One of the key parts of a successful IT plan is providing your business with direction to address your expected growth and to ensure effective systems integration. 

"A growth-minded MSP will secure your IT future and make your technology work for your business by staying ahead of the latest trends and advancements."

Your technology roadmap should account for the evolution of your current IT systems. It will also ensure that your business continues to operate without a hitch, even as you upgrade your systems. Ultimately, your roadmap ensures that your IT infrastructure evolves as your business does. 

2. Unpredictable IT Spend

If you are surprised by unexpected charges at the end of your billing cycle, then it is either time to revisit your existing agreement with your MSP or it is time to find a new MSP. 

In addition to providing reliable services, your MSP should also offer predictable pricing. 

Before signing up for your IT service plan, your MSP should provide you with an initial consultation where they analyze your needs and budget. Afterwards, you should sign an agreement that details the terms of your partnership with the MSP. These terms should clearly set the expectation for what you will owe and the services your MSP will provide.

3. Your MSP Never Tells You "No"

We understand—nobody likes to be told “no.” But the truth is, sometimes pushback is necessary. An effective MSP will tell you things you don’t want to hear and engage in difficult conversations. This is because they ultimately know what is in the best interest of your organization’s technology needs. Agreeing to everything isn’t always realistic, and may not help your business in the long run. That’s why working with an MSP you trust is crucial. 

A quality MSP also won’t make promises they can’t keep or tell you “we will figure it out.” If you want something done in two weeks, but the MSP knows a project will take months to complete, they should be transparent and set the expectation accordingly. Find an MSP who is not afraid to have those tough conversations when necessary and do everything they can to manage expectations. At the end of the day, your long-term success and security is far more important than just saying “yes.” 

4. Slow Onboarding Of Your New Staff

Is your MSP taking days, and sometimes weeks, to onboard your new employees with the devices they need to be productive? 

This wait is both costly and avoidable. If your MSP is taking an unreasonable amount of time to get devices set up and in the hands of your new hires, it is likely because their practices are outdated, and they are not using the latest technology. 

Slow onboarding creates friction with new employees from the start. Are your new hires sitting around for several days or are they up and running on day one?  

In today’s job market, many employees leave positions due to unnecessary discord that hinders productivity. Closing the gaps where this type of friction occurs saves your company money and keeps employee satisfaction high.  

5. You Have Outgrown Your MSP

If your business is growing, but your MSP is not, it may be time to switch providers.  

It’s possible that your provider is doing a stellar job of working proactively, and they are managing your existing infrastructure fairly well. Due to this, their customer satisfaction (CSAT) score may be fairly high.  

However, if your provider is not prepared to scale with you, you may have outgrown your favorite provider, and it’s time to move on. Even if your MSP is knowledgeable, they may not be able to scale with you because they lack the equipment, people, expertise, and/or capabilities.

Is Your Current MSP A Good Fit For Your Business?

Ask yourself: 

• What was included in your initial service agreement? 
• Was your MSP transparent in its pricing and the fees associated with each service? 
• Did you ever encounter any surprise charges you weren’t expecting? 
• What about after-hours, weekend, or holiday services? 

If you ever notice charges that you were not planning on, reach out to your MSP to clarify any discrepancies. They should be able to clearly explain which services are being provided and account for every charge made to your account. 

If your MSP ever seems to be lacking transparency, if they hesitate to explain a charge to you, or you simply get unexpected charges, then they probably are not the right people to trust with your business’s money and data. 

Switching To A New MSP Is Easier Than You Think!

We often hear from businesses that have been dissatisfied with their current MSP for years but are too nervous to find a replacement. They think changing providers will be a complicated process that involves days of IT downtime (which, by the way, should not be the case). You’d be surprised how easy it can be to switch MSPs when you find the right partner. 

If any of the above signs apply to your business, consider reviewing our Pricing Page, then book a Discovery Call to discuss how you can start receiving the quality of support your business and your team deserves.