Improved operational agility and efficiency is one of the many reasons that small businesses choose to work with managed service providers (MSPs). The pandemic has catapulted many organizations into the future of digitalization much sooner than they might have otherwise done so, resulting in the need for changing business practices and priorities. In particular, MSPs who take a consulting approach over and above the standard break and fix approach can truly help businesses succeed.

MSPs Who Consult Provide Businesses with Greater Long-Term Value

Hybrid working environments provide an opportunity to scale small businesses with the proper technology. Innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) have also helped organizations reach a wider range of market and better serve their existing clients. Speed and agility are vital to strong operations and part of a sound technology strategy.

MSPs Enable Technology Strategy

Roughly a third of all businesses have pivoted their technology focus to take advantage of new market opportunities. This requires seeing MSPs as a trusted partner to enable new technology strategies. MSPs can (and should!) offer far more than break and fix services, both strategically and in a consulting capacity. A consulting-led approach to IT services that goes beyond the software setup and IT security can truly help small businesses grow. An approach that establishes a relationship between an organization and the MSP is able to help with strategy first, and then develop processes and plans that can deliver those business outcomes. Organizations that consider their service providers to be an important part of their overall strategy are much more likely to find success.

MSPs Can Align Business Initiatives

COVID-19 has put the need for technology and business initiatives to align front and center. Businesses that were not up to date with technology had a hard time pivoting and maintaining business continuity. MSPs have become integral in helping organizations meet the demands of an increasingly digitized marketplace, becoming more responsive and collaborative. Modern technologies, cloud computing, and digital business initiatives have fueled a greater return on investment showing that technology must be considered when developing your businesses’ mission and vision overall strategy.

Effective MSPs can ensure that priorities such as efficiency, scalability, and agility are addressed and can help organizations take advantage of new opportunities when they arise. MSPs acting as consultants can make insightful tech-based recommendations that lead to growth, client satisfaction, and an improved employee experience, which ultimately drives business profitability.

MSPs Drive Business Innovation

As the business market evolves more and more toward complete digital transformation, sound business strategy depends upon IT services for enablement and implementation. And beyond simply keeping a business up and running, sound IT strategy, developed in conjunction with an MSP consulting partner, can foster greater competitiveness in a fast-paced marketplace.

Organizations who are further along in their digital transformation will be better able to see the value of innovation. An MSP can provide a new level of connectivity and collaboration through data sharing across multiple applications, regardless of platforms or underlying technologies. Working with a trusted MSP versus simply employing one to “fix things” can help an organization manage the multiple vendors, creating efficiency. A wise MSP can consult and support an organization’s ability to grow, freeing up time and resources.

MSPs Who Consult Can Drive Growth

Having an internal IT employee or team or an MSP who merely focuses on maintenance will not help an organization fully utilize technology to develop services or deliver desired business outcomes. This type of MSP service will not be able to keep up with the technological advances and challenges that many small businesses face. A consulting MSP that is a valued partner will go above and beyond the delivery of services, but will nurture a long-standing relationship that aligns with the goals of an entire organization, not just those that deal with IT. For technology to truly deliver growth and success, a holistic understanding of an organization and its mission and goals is required.

MSPs Can Increase Employee Engagement

Using technology to bridge the gap between departments and align overall business priorities can reduce organizational silos and increase employee engagement and satisfaction. This also leads to greater customer satisfaction and a more profitable business. As security considerations increase, with 2021 having seen more cybersecurity risks than ever before, a smart MSP can mitigate bad outcomes and ensure that hybrid working models actually work. This gives employees greater flexibility and accessibility, better services through which to complete their tasks more efficiently and paves the way for greater diversity and inclusion.

The skills of a trusted MSP are invaluable to helping a small business grow, remain safe online, and provide value to their customer base, as well as reach new markets. A consulting approach to managed services is the correct approach for maximum benefits because it is not only about providing insights into how organizations can improve upon their IT infrastructure, but also a consulting MSP will listen and understand an organization’s business strategy and how best to deploy technology to meet those goals.