Selecting the right tools is a critical decision for any MSP looking to scale and stay ahead of the competition. With an overwhelming array of options available, it’s easy to fall for the “shiny new object” syndrome—adding tools that don’t serve your business or your clients effectively.
In this MSP Success Roundtable, three industry leaders—Matt Rose, co-founder and chief experience officer of Tech Rage IT, Roman Shraga, chief technology officer of Klik Solutions, and Oli Thordarson, founder and CEO of Alvaka Networks—share their insights on how to select and build a tool stack that truly drives growth.
Here’s 5 tips they share in this roundtable:
1. Define Your Criteria
Before adding a new tool, all three experts agree that you must evaluate how it will fit into your existing business. Rose emphasizes that tools should meet client needs, make technicians more efficient, and be worth the onboarding effort. Shraga adds that tools must provide the services promised to clients and integrate well with your service bundle. Thordarson focuses on quality and consistency, noting that strong APIs are often more important than cost.
2. Vendor Relationships Matter
The panelists also highlighted the importance of a vendor’s tech support, account management, and partner programs. Having a reliable vendor relationship can make all the difference when issues arise.
3. Vet Tools Thoroughly
Testing tools before implementation is critical. Rose advocates for running a proof of concept before even discussing pricing. Thordarson encourages techs in his company to explore new solutions and make a case for them. Shraga mentions empowering tech champions to vet options and work directly with vendors.
4. Consider Metrics
When it comes to deciding whether to adopt or replace a tool, metrics play a significant role. Shraga looks at whether outdated tools are causing the business to lose opportunities, while Thordarson evaluates ROI by tracking the cost and performance of each tool or service, right down to staffing costs.
5. Balance Innovation with Profitability
The experts agree that innovation must be balanced with profitability. While staying ahead is important, MSPs must ensure that new tools either save money or generate enough revenue to justify their cost. As Thordarson warns, beware of tool sprawl—each tool should serve a clear purpose for both your clients and your bottom line.
To hear the full discussion and set yourself up for long-term success, watch the video.
If you missed our previous MSP Success Roundtable on Outside-the-Box Hiring and Retention Strategies, check it out here!
