The power of business networking for IT Solution Providers and MSPs

As the owner of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) IT Solution business, do you think that business networking is a waste of time?

You might think that your technical expertise alone will grow your business. However, I’d argue that while being great at what you do is important, business networking plays a critical role in your success. 

Why? Well, If you don’t regularly connect with other business owners and professionals, you miss out on opportunities to grow your MSP.

In my latest book, Business Networking for Geeks, I explore how business networking is about building relationships, not just selling. It’s about connecting with people, learning from them, and ultimately building a network that can support your business growth. 

Here are five key benefits of business networking for MSPs and IT Solution Providers:

1. Generate new clients and leads

Now, one of the most obvious benefits of networking is the potential to meet new clients. But remember, business networking isn’t about making a hard sell. 

Rather, it’s about building relationships over time. When someone in your network has a need for IT services, you’re the first person they think of. How many times has someone said: “Oh, X recommended you?” That’s the power of making connections!

For me, word-of-mouth referrals have been invaluable throughout my career. Because they come from someone who knows you well, whether they’re a former client, a team member in a large organisation or someone who’s never worked with you but likes you enough to recommend you.

Isn’t that better than a cold, impersonal lead you generated from a marketing campaign? Of course, it is. And networking gives you the opportunity to generate these types of referrals by being helpful, consistently turning up at events and being clear on who you’d like to meet.

2. Collaborate and form partnerships

So why else might you include networking as part of your outreach strategy? Because it can also lead to partnership opportunities.

Let’s say you specialise in Microsoft 365. But your clients need a wider set of solutions. You never know who you might meet at the refreshment table, but they might offer telecom solutions, Cybersecurity or VoIP.

If you find partners who provide complementary services, you encourage your clients to stay with you for the long term, meeting their needs without having to be an expert in everything.

Collaboration also gives you access to bigger projects. Maybe you’ve been tempted to pitch for big projects, but you don’t have the resources in-house to deliver it satisfactorily. But a partner you can rely on lets you both aim higher.

3. Learn and share industry insights

You don’t have to be in the industry long to notice how fast things change in the world of IT and tech! So if you want to run a successful MSP, you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Being part of a group of other IT professionals and MSPs gives you access to a wealth of knowledge. You’ll learn about the latest trends, tools, and strategies that others are using successfully in their businesses.

If you’ve ever visited my website or spoken to me in person, you’ll have heard me recommend peer groups such as The Tech Tribe, CompTIA and SuperOps. I think these communities serve as a fantastic resource no matter where you are in your business journey.

Usually informal networks provide a safe space to share your experiences, learn from others, and avoid common mistakes. The more you engage with your peers, the more you’ll grow as a business owner.

4. Enhance your personal brand

Most MSPs are small businesses, sometimes operated as a sole trader enterprise. So personal brand and reputation are key for your continued success.

You might not have considered networking as a way of building those, but it does. As we’ve seen, being helpful and consistent puts you top of mind. But it also means you become known as a trustworthy expert. 

But, it’s not just about winning clients. By being clear on what makes you you, you start to find new opportunities. That might be collaborations, speaking engagements or even press coverage. So remember, the more you network, the more visible and valuable you become.

5. Emotional support and business growth

Of course, if you do operate as a sole trader, then you have no one else in the business to turn to when times get hard. It can be a lonely place. So networking, especially with peers, gives you the support system you might not know you need.

Meeting and building connections with like-minded people means that they understand the unique challenges you face. Whether it’s sharing a business challenge or celebrating a win, your network can offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration.

Conclusion

You can be the best IT company in the world, but if nobody knows about you, what’s the point? Business networking offers so much more than just potential sales. It gives you access to new clients, partnerships, industry insights, and emotional support. The relationships you build through networking are an essential part of growing a successful MSP.

So get out there and start connecting! You’ll be amazed at the opportunities it brings!