The IT Experts Podcast Ian Luckett - The MSP Growth Hub

Our conversation kicked off with Rachel sharing highlights from her recent talk at CompTIA, stressing the importance of self-care in the busy world of IT and business. Rachel emphasized that looking after yourself isn't just about avoiding illness—it's about improving your quality of life. Rachel Williams believes a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on improving overall health and extending the health span alongside the lifespan. 

Rachel shared her personal journey towards wellness, an inspiring story that highlighted her shift from approaching burnout to becoming fitter than she’s ever been. This personal journey gave birth to her business, Zest Lifestyle, where she uses her extensive knowledge and experience to help individuals and teams foster environments that prioritize health and happiness. 

A large portion of our discussion was dedicated to understanding what 'good health' truly looks like. According to Rachel Williams, good health is not merely the absence of illness but a vibrant state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She introduced listeners to the five pillars of self-care that are central to her practice: sleep, diet, movement, mental well-being, and rest. Each element is crucial in its own right but works together to create a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Sleep came up as the cornerstone of good health. Rachel pointed out that many overlook its importance, but it is during sleep that our bodies undergo repair and rejuvenation. She linked inadequate sleep to a plethora of health issues, from reduced cognitive function to impaired metabolism, stressing the importance of quality sleep as a non-negotiable pillar of health. 

On diet, Rachel Williams was keen to debunk the myths surrounding restrictive diets, which often lead to unsustainable health choices. Instead, she champions the 80/20 rule—eating healthily 80% of the time and allowing for indulgences in moderation. This approach not only makes the diet sustainable but also enjoyable, which is crucial for long-term maintenance. 

Movement, another pillar of self-care, goes beyond traditional exercise. Rachel encourages finding joy in physical activity, whether it’s walking, dancing, yoga, or more structured gym workouts. The key is consistency and enjoyment, which significantly enhances the likelihood of maintaining an active lifestyle. 

Mental well-being, often overshadowed in discussions around physical health, was highlighted as vital. Stress management, mindfulness, and emotional health are all aspects that Rachel touches upon frequently, underscoring their importance on our overall health. Tools like meditation apps and mindful practices are ways Rachel suggests maintaining positive mental health. 

Lastly, the concept of rest, distinct from sleep, was discussed. Rachel Williams explains that rest involves activities that recharge and rejuvenate the spirit, which can vary from passive activities like reading to active ones like hiking or exploring. 

Throughout the episode, Rachel Williams reiterated the importance of self-care, not just for personal health but as a strategy to enhance productivity and satisfaction in both personal and professional realms. Her insights not only provide effective strategies for self-care but also equipped our listeners with practical steps to take control of their health and well-being. 

We wrapped up the episode with Rachel sharing how to get in touch with her for those interested in learning more about self-care or implementing her principles into their lives or workplaces. For more insights and daily health tips, Rachel can be reached through her website, Zest Lifestyle, and her social media platforms. 

Remember, taking responsibility for your health starts with you, and it's never too late to start looking after yourself. 
 

Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking this LINK 

And when you’re ready to tak

Understanding what you want from your business isn't just about setting financial targets; it’s about aligning your personal dreams with your professional goals to create a fulfilling and sustainable business model. Stuart stresses the importance of personal vision in business. He discusses how easily MSP owners can become overwhelmed by daily operations, losing sight of their original motivations and goals. 

Stuart points out that many MSP owners start their journey with clear intentions but often get sidetracked as the business grows. He emphasises the significance of defining 'what winning looks like' for your business. This not only involves setting tangible goals but also understanding the kind of life you want to lead. Stuart repeatedly mentions that knowing what you don’t want can often be a more accessible starting point to clarify what you actually do want. This reverse engineering of outcomes can significantly help MSP owners cut through the fog that surrounds their strategic planning processes. 

Throughout our conversation, Stuart reinforces the idea that business owners should periodically step back and assess their journey. This reflective practice helps to appreciate past achievements and realign current activities with long-term objectives. He shares practical tips on how MSPs can manage their growth effectively without becoming consumed by it. According to Stuart, building a successful MSP isn’t just about financial gain but about creating a business that allows owners the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their lives while still achieving professional success. 

One of the key pieces of advice Stuart offers is the concept of starting with the end in mind. This Stephen Covey principle is about envisioning where you want your business to be, and then meticulously planning out the steps to get there. Whether it’s hiring the right people, implementing the correct systems, or simply deciding to work fewer hours to have more time with family, each decision should contribute towards that ultimate picture of success. 

Moreover, Stuart highlights the importance of community and support systems in this journey. He encourages MSP owners to find their tribe – a supportive community that shares similar goals and challenges. Engaging with this community not only provides moral and emotional support but also fosters an environment of accountability, which is crucial for consistent progress. 

In terms of practical steps, Stuart suggests that MSP owners should take a proactive approach to problem-solving within their businesses. Identifying what you do not want in your daily operations can help clarify what changes need to be made to avoid those outcomes. For instance, if an MSP owner doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by technical tasks, then it might be time to hire additional technical staff or invest in training for current employees to distribute the workload more evenly. 

As we wrap up this thought provoking episode, I reflect on the numerous actionable insights Stuart has shared with us today. His advice is grounded in the reality of running a business, yet aspirational enough to push MSP owners to think big and act boldly. Remember, defining success in your business is a personal journey that goes beyond the conventional metrics of business growth. It’s about creating a business that not only survives but thrives while aligning with your personal life goals.
Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking this LINK 

And when you’re ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, come and take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. In just three minutes, you’ll get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and identify the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your people and generate more leads. 

OR  

To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then cli

In our latest IT Experts Podcast episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of partnership in the MSP world through the lens of Joe Burns’ compelling journey. Joe, a seasoned entrepreneur who has not only scaled but also successfully exited from an MSP, shares his experience into what happens when business partners discover their goals and ambitions are no longer aligned. 
 
Joe Burns co-founded an MSP with a shared vision for success, driven by the enthusiasm that characterizes many startup ventures. However, as the business grew, it became clear that Joe and his business partner's visions for the future were vastly different. This realisation wasn't immediate; it crept up over years as the business scaled. Signs of misalignment began to surface, particularly during strategic planning sessions where their different growth ambitions were starkly highlighted. Despite efforts to realign, including engaging with a growth coach and attempting to bridge the gap in their ambitions, the divide only widened. 
 
The pivotal moment came when it was undeniable that their differing expectations for the future of the business were too significantly to continue effectively as partners.  Working together became uncomfortable and decision making was difficult.  Joe's business partner expressed a desire to exit the business, which prompted a series of discussions about the future. Rather than viewing this as a setback, Joe saw an opportunity to assess the true market value of their business and either buy out his partner or sell the business entirely. This led to the decision to sell the MSP, a move that would allow both partners to pursue their individual visions without compromise. 
 
Joe candidly shares the mistakes made during the selling process, chief among them being the failure to court multiple buyers. The initial excitement of having an interested buyer led to a 'monotony' situation – a market condition with only one buyer – which ultimately could have jeopardised achieving the best possible sale price for the business. This experience taught Joe the importance of fostering competitive interest when selling a business to avoid undervaluing it. 
 
Drawing from his experience, Joe offers invaluable advice for MSP business owners, particularly those navigating the complexities of a partnership: 

Personal Goals Alignment: Ensure there's clarity on personal goals and ambitions from the outset. Regularly revisiting these goals and ensuring they align with the business’s direction is crucial for sustained partnership harmony. 
Prepare Your Business for Sale: Regardless of immediate intentions to sell, structuring your business as if you're preparing it for sale can increase its resilience, value, and attractiveness to potential buyers. This includes making the business operationally independent of the owners. 
Embrace Niching: Focusing on specific sectors or problems can significantly enhance an MSP's market position, making it easier to market and sell solutions. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of a focused client segment can lead to more business and success. 
Community Engagement: The MSP community offers a wealth of support and knowledge sharing. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and strategies for growth, as well as support through the challenges unique to the MSP industry. 

Joe Burns’ journey illustrates the importance of alignment, strategic foresight, and the invaluable lessons learned through the process of exiting an MSP. For MSP business owners, whether currently in a partnership or contemplating one, this episode offers critical insights into ensuring that your business not only aligns with your personal ambitions but is also strategically positioned for MSP success. 

You can connect with Joe Burns on his LinkedIn HERE 

If you are in the same place, as Joe Burns did, listen to THIS episode where I asked Stuart how to get aligned wi

Our chat delved into the nitty-gritty of email security, an area that Ben is particularly passionate about. He explained that despite the abundance of emails, ensuring they reach their destination is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving security measures. This brings us to deliverability and the question: Why is it so hard to get email through these days? Ben pointed out that the landscape of email communication has tchanged significantly, especially with the rise of stringent protocols to combat spam and phishing attempts. This evolution, while necessary, has made it challenging for legitimate emails to navigate through increasing security checks successfully. 

 

The impact of getting it wrong is potentially huge. Ben stressed that failing to understand these complexities can lead to emails being lost in the ether, marked as spam, or not delivered at all, severely affecting business communications and marketing efforts....leading to a loss of customer engagement, and ultimately lost revenue.  This is where the conversation turned to the basic settings that people often overlook. Ben highlighted the importance of configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records correctly. These settings are crucial for authenticating your emails and signalling to email providers that your messages are legitimate and should be delivered as intended. 

 

To help overcome these challenges, Ben shared some tools that are crucial for anyone looking to improve their email deliverability. He highlighted DMARC monitoring tools as essential for keeping an eye on your email's performance and identifying potential issues. Another gem Ben shared is GlockApps, a tool that simulates email sends to different providers and reports on where your email ends up – in the inbox, spam folder, or somewhere else entirely. These tools are critical for diagnosing deliverability issues and ensuring that your emails reach their intended audience. 

 

Throughout our conversation, Ben emphasized the importance of not just sending emails, but making sure they are delivered. In today's digital age, where email continues to be a vital communication tool, understanding and implementing the right security measures and settings can make a world of difference. Whether you're in IT, marketing, or running a business, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights on navigating the complex world of email deliverability. 

 

For those looking for further information about email deliverability, Ben offers a free email delivery report through Quinset Consulting. This report can provide you with a starting point for understanding how well your emails are performing and what steps you can take to improve. Ben's expertise and practical advice from our discussion offer a roadmap for anyone looking to ensure their emails are not only sent but are delivered successfully every time. 

 
You can connect with Ben Fielding through his LinkedIn HERE 

Or visit their website HERE 

 

Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking HERE 

And when you’re ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, come and take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. In just three minutes, you’ll get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and identify the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your people and generate more leads. 

OR  

To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE 

Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!

The crux of today's discussion revolves around the challenge many MSPs face: the constant barrage of communications from clients. This issue not only disrupts the workflow of MSPs but also poses a significant barrier to their growth and scalability. The question arises from an accountability call where clients shared their transformative experiences after implementing strategies to 'train' their clients to adhere to more streamlined communication processes. This revelation sparked a broader conversation on the necessity of redefining client interactions to foster a business environment where MSPs work for their business rather than being incessantly tied down by it. 

Stuart and I discussed the inherent contradiction MSPs face: the balance between being exceptionally service-oriented and setting boundaries to manage client expectations effectively. This balance is pivotal, especially for MSPs aiming to transition from being a lifestyle business to building a scalable enterprise. The key to this transition lies in managing client interactions and expectations more strategically. 

One of the most poignant insights from our discussion was the realization that often, the clients who demand the most attention are not necessarily the most profitable. This observation underscores the importance of evaluating client relationships based on their value and profitability to the MSP. Stuart shared invaluable tips on how MSPs could navigate this challenge by first identifying the most time-consuming clients and then implementing a systematic approach to redirect their queries to appropriate channels, thereby reducing direct interruptions. 

Stuart's advice centred on the importance of data analysis to understand the patterns of client interactions. Keeping a log of client communications can reveal insightful patterns, helping MSPs identify which clients require a recalibration of their service expectations. Following this analysis, Stuart emphasised the need for clear communication and setting up robust systems to manage client inquiries. This includes configuring out-of-office messages and automated ticketing systems to ensure that client requests are addressed promptly without needing the MSP's direct involvement. 

Moreover, Stuart highlighted the role of personal time management in mitigating client disruptions. By defining specific times for client interactions, MSPs can significantly improve their productivity and focus on strategic tasks. This approach not only benefits the MSP but also enhances the service quality provided to clients. 

As we wrapped up, the key takeaway was the empowerment of MSPs to redefine their client interactions. By implementing strategic changes and setting clear expectations, MSPs can transition from being constantly available to focusing on growth and scalability. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also leads to a more profitable and satisfying business model. 

At the end of the day, the goal is to build a business that efficiently serves its clients while also allowing the MSP the freedom to focus on strategic growth and personal well-being. 

Connect with Ian HERE on LinkedIn and also Stuart by clicking this LINK 

If you’re ready to take the next step in supercharging your MSP, take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. This tool is designed to help you understand where your MSP stands and what steps you can take to scale profitably and effectively. This will provide you with insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs.    

OR to join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE 

Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon! 

Stuart Faulkner's story is a great example that demonstrates that if you understand what you’re really good at and play to your strengths, you can really start to get your business working for you. As the leader of ilicomm Technology Solutions, a growing MSP based in the West Midlands, Stuart found himself at a crossroads. Despite the company's outward success, Stuart felt that the business, and by extension himself, had hit a plateau.  It was this realisation that prompted Stuart to seek external guidance, a decision that marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation for both his business and personal life. 

 

Our conversation explores the key factors that led Stuart to redefine his role within ilicomm. One significant turning point was his use of the Genius Model, a framework designed to help individuals identify their strengths and areas of passion. Initially sceptical, Stuart's willingness to embrace this model provided clarity about his role and how best to contribute to his company's growth. By focusing on what he loved and excelled at, and delegating or eliminating tasks that did not align with his strengths, Stuart was able to break free from the constraints that had previously held him back. 

 

The implementation of the Genius Model was just the beginning. Recognising the gaps within the operational aspects of ilicomm led to a strategic expansion of the leadership team. This included the introduction of a Chief Operations Officer and other carefully selected A-players, individuals who are not only skilled but also the right fit for the company's culture and objectives. 

 

Our discussion highlights the profound impact of these changes on both the personal and professional lives of those involved. Stuart and his business partner, Jason, have experienced not just a huge growth in turnover but a significant improvement in their work-life balance. The introduction of a 50-day holiday policy reflects their belief in the importance of rest and rejuvenation for sustained performance and creativity. 

 

"Getting a Genius Out of a Bottle - Success Stories with Stuart Faulkner" is more than just a narrative of business success; it's a blueprint for personal fulfilment and organisational excellence. Stuart's journey underscores the importance of self-reflection, the courage to seek help, and the wisdom to build a team that complements your strengths. For fellow MSPs navigating similar challenges, Stuart's story is a reminder that with the right approach, it's possible to transform both your business and your personal life. 

 

In closing, I encourage all MSP leaders feeling stuck or uncertain about their next steps to consider the insights shared in this episode. Whether it's harnessing your genius, refining your team, or simply finding balance, the journey towards a thriving business and a fulfilling life is well within reach. Stuart Faulkner's success is a genuine example of what's possible when you dare to reimagine your role and reshape your business around your unique strengths. 

 

Connect with me on LinkedIn and see what I'm up to by clicking HERE 
 
To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 300 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE 

Again, if you’re ready to take the next step in supercharging your MSP, take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. This will provide you with insights and guidance tailored to your specific needs.    

Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!