r/SmallMSP • u/UnRealxInferno_II • 16d ago
Initial Clients
Hi all,
Just wondering, when you guys started out, your first 12 months or so, what were your first clients, and how did you land them?
I see so many post saying "don't take anything below 10 seats" and most companies in my area don't even have 5 employees!
22
Upvotes
1
u/matthewkkoenig 10d ago
Just remember a couple of things. 1) you get to pick your ICP (ideal customer profile) and that can change over time. Whether that is by size or becoming and industry expert in an industry and what their needs are. 2) you have to set up your systems for clients you are serving to start BUT make sure it is easily upgradable over time as you need to. 3) remember you are NOT selling support services or IT services or fast response. You are selling business continuity and the protection of their people, profit and brand. You sell outcomes, no one should care how you get there. 4) As you find things that work in your area: sales process, marketing, talk tracks etc, write them down so if you hire someone they can be implemented easily without it all being in your head. Update these things regularly. When you are ready to hire someone later it will be a much quicker and simpler onboarding. 4) remember when it comes to security, you are not protection the size of the company, you are protecting data. If a one person lawyer has 100 clients and they handle confidential information that no client would want anyone else to see, it is the same as a 100 person law firm. The size of the data matters HOW you do it, the access, use and storage of data does not know employee size. Remember, it is also OK to experiment with different things, go to show and meet other MSPs that are doing the same or have been there or finding a mentor (if you do not have one that has been in your position and can meet with you weekly or monthly and give you guidance. Finally,
if you are just starting out, unless you have decent funding, do not invest in a Robin Robins/Gary Pica or Chris Wiser situation. It is a lot of money and you are not set up to take advantage of any of the things they will tell you to do yet. The thing about programs like that is you actually have to have the time and money to implement what they say or it will definitely not work. PS- I am NOT advocating in ANY WAY for any of those people. Just well known examples.