Look for any podcast host, guest or anyone
Showing episodes and shows of

Ian Luckett - The MSP Finance Team

Shows

The IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP239 – M&A Mastery – Part 3 – How To Buy Another MSP with Ken Roulston & Ian Luckett Ken Roulston, a veteran of the IT industry and now self-proclaimed M&A addict, returns to share his deep insights and experience from building a £17 million MSP business through a series of successful acquisitions. Across this episode, we unpack the exact mindset, processes and practical steps MSP owners need to take when considering buying another MSP. Ken’s journey is not just theory, it’s real-world experience gained from multiple acquisitions, integration challenges and building long-term value. And trust me, his perspective is gold.  We kick off the conversation by tackling the question so many MSP owners wrestl...2025-06-2936 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP238 – M&A Mastery – Part 2 – Preparing to Sell your MSP with Ken Roulston & Ian Luckett Ken Roulston brings his decades of industry experience to the table and together we explore what it really takes to get your MSP into a position where it’s not only ready to be sold, but where it attracts the right buyer and achieves a fair valuation.  Ken Roulston has walked the talk. He built his own MSP from the ground up, completed six acquisitions over 12 years and ultimately sold the business in 2023 for a healthy multiple, leaving behind a highly efficient and well-oiled operation. Throughout this episode, Ken shares what truly drives value in an MSP and...2025-06-2233 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP237 - M&A Mastery – Part 1 – The Foundations with Ken Roulston & Ian Luckett To help guide us through it all, I’m joined by someone who’s been there, done it, and got the multiple to prove it, the brilliant Ken Roulston.  Now, if you haven’t come across Ken before, he’s a bit of a legend in the IT channel. He started his MSP from scratch in 2009 and grew it through six strategic acquisitions before selling it in 2023. What I love about Ken is he doesn’t just talk about theory, he’s lived the journey – from finding the right businesses to buy, navigating the risks, right through to a successful...2025-06-1634 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP233 – Don’t Let Diamonds Go: Unlocking Future Leaders in Your MSP with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett This one’s inspired by a comment we heard recently at one of our events: “Don’t let the diamonds in your business go.” It struck a chord. And it got us talking about what it really takes to stop losing your best people and start building a leadership team who can genuinely help you grow – not just fix tickets or manage a few tasks. If you’re an MSP owner stuck in the day-to-day firefight, unsure how to build the team around you, this one’s for you.  Julie shares the mindset shift business owners need to make to move...2025-05-1926 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP230 - Why You Mustn’t Miss the 2025 MSP Show with Alex Harris, David Maguire & Ian Luckett It’s a jam-packed episode where I’m joined by two absolute champions of the channel, Alex Harris and David Maguire, the driving force behind this standout industry event.  Let’s be honest – this one’s a bit of a shameless plug. But for all the right reasons. The 2025 MSP Show isn’t just another exhibition – it’s quickly becoming the place where MSP business owners and their teams come together to get inspired, connect with new tech, and actually have a good time doing it. Whether you came along last year or this is your first time hearing abou...2025-04-2821 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP229 – Ask Stuart #19 – Help! …I’m Scared of Niching My MSP Marketing with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Or more accurately, the fear of niching. It’s that internal tug-of-war between wanting more leads and being scared that if you narrow your focus, you’ll somehow lose out on opportunities. So in this episode, I turned the tables and interviewed my co-host Ian Luckett, who’s been doing some seriously powerful work with our clients on this very subject over the past 12 months.  Let’s get this out in the open straight away – niching is not about turning people away or putting your business in a box. It’s about getting clear on who you help, how you...2025-04-2117 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP225 – Inside the MSP Growth Hub – January 2025 Intensive Round Up with Stuart Warwick, Clare Elliott, Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett I’m joined by fellow MSP Growth Hub coaches Stuart Warwick, Julie Hutchison, and Clare Elliott, as we reflect on the key takeaways from our January 2025 two-day intensive.  These intensives are the cornerstone of the MSP Growth Hub’s Scale with Confidence model, bringing together MSP owners and leaders to reflect, reset, and refocus on their business growth. The January event was centred around the theme of ‘Harnessing Ambition’—not just setting strategic goals but ensuring they are cascaded throughout the entire organisation. This is where business owners can make real progress, ensuring their company, departments, and individuals...2025-03-2131 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP224 – What’s the Perfect Structure for an MSP? with Alison Whitfield & Ian Luckett Many MSPs start with a handful of technical people, then bolt on account management, sales, marketing, and operations as they grow. But without a clearly defined structure, this approach can create inefficiencies, miscommunication, and stalled growth.   That’s why we brought in Alison Whitfield from Cultivate People Services, a people and culture expert with a wealth of experience working with MSPs. Together, we unpack the essential components of structuring an MSP for growth, leadership development, and team alignment. Alison shares her perspective on why structure is so much more than just an organisational chart or job descriptions. She compares a w...2025-03-1433 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP223 – Ask Stuart #18 - The Consequence of Not Stopping! And Taking Stock with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick As business owners, we often pride ourselves on pushing forward, solving problems, and keeping things moving. But what happens when we don’t stop to reflect? What are the hidden risks of ploughing ahead without taking a moment to reassess our strategy, our goals, and even our own leadership? Stuart and I unpack exactly that in today’s conversation, and trust me, if you’re an MSP looking to scale, this is something you don’t want to ignore.  We all know the feeling of getting caught up in the day-to-day operations—whether it's handling client issues, managing yo...2025-03-0722 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP222 – STOP Attracting the Wrong People to Your MSP with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett Now, if you've ever been in the frustrating position of recruiting someone you thought was perfect for the job, only to find out they’re not the right fit at all, you’re not alone. This happens more often than you might think, and in today’s episode, we uncover exactly why MSPs keep attracting the wrong people—and more importantly, how to stop it from happening.  Julie shares a story from a recent conversation with an MSP owner who was struggling to find the right person for their team. They needed someone dynamic, open to change, and capab...2025-02-2823 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP219 – Want to Grow Your Business?... Then Leverage Your Team with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett One of the biggest challenges we see in the MSP space is that many business owners started their journey as technical experts. They didn’t necessarily set out to run a business – they just knew they were great at what they did and wanted to do it better than the company they worked for. The problem? Running a business requires a completely different skill set to just doing the technical work. At some point, every MSP owner reaches that moment where they realise they can’t do it all themselves. But that realisation often comes with frustration—because even when the...2025-02-0724 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP213 - Happy New Year 2025 with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett We kicked off the episode with a bit of festive banter about Christmas indulgences, proving that even between the mince pies and wine, we’re committed to helping you move your business forward. Stuart, ever the reflective one, shared his highlights of the year, starting with the remarkable growth of the MSP Growth Hub community. With nearly 50 MSPs now on board, the energy, vulnerability, and results in the room have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of shared ambition and the results that come when business owners start thinking differently about their potential and...2024-12-2925 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP212 - A 2024 Podcast Year in Review with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick It’s been a busy year for Stuart and me, and we kick off the episode with some festive banter, steering clear of any Mariah Carey renditions—thankfully! Stuart reflects on how much we’ve achieved and the importance of this reflective time of year. Together, we unpack what made these five episodes so impactful and why they’ve captured the attention of our audience.  Coming in at number five, we discuss Episode 168 with the brilliant Claire Jenks, titled “So You Think You're Busy? How to Get Out of Overwhelm and Get Out of Your Own Way.” This episode...2024-12-2026 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP210 – How to Close Deals by Solving Problems with Mark Lambert & Ian Luckett Mark Lambert shared practical insights into why selling the tech alone won’t cut it in today’s market. Instead, he stresses the importance of focusing on outcomes that matter to your prospects, such as improving productivity, enhancing security, and solving tangible business challenges. As Mark explains, clients don’t care whether you’re using Office 365 or the latest security stack; they care about how you’ll help their business thrive. This shift from a tech-focused to a problem-solving mindset is critical for any MSP aiming to scale sustainably.  We also discussed the right time for MSPs to invest i...2024-12-0630 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP209 – How to Create Scroll Stopping Content with Nigel Moore from the Tech Tribe & Ian Luckett One of the key takeaways from this conversation is understanding why MSPs find content creation so difficult in the first place. Nigel pointed out that many MSP owners are simply stretched too thin. Whether they’re managing cybersecurity threats, fielding client calls, or running the day-to-day operations of their business, creating content often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Add to that the natural tendency for MSP owners—many of whom identify as introverted “techies”—to shy away from putting themselves out there, and it’s no wonder content creation can feel like an insurmountable task. Nigel empathised d...2024-11-2927 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP208 – Are You Self-Sabotaging? with Teresa Heath-Wareing & Ian Luckett  Teresa Heath-Wareing introduces us to a crucial understanding of how self-sabotage works, explaining that many of us fall into patterns that keep us comfortable but ultimately hinder our growth. Self-sabotaging behaviours often stem from a place of fear—whether it's fear of failure, fear of judgment, or even fear of success. When we’re stepping into new or uncomfortable situations, our brain can see these as potential threats, activating a “protection mode” that drives us back to our comfort zones. Teresa highlights that self-sabotage isn’t about laziness or lack of ambition; rather, it’s our mind trying to keep us safe...2024-11-2237 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP207 – Why You Need Dark Web Monitoring in Your MSP with Tony Capewell & Ian Luckett We kicked off with a straightforward explanation of what the dark web actually is. Tony clarified the distinctions between the open web (the visible internet we all use daily), the deep web (pages that aren’t indexed by search engines and require authentication, like online banking portals), and the dark web. The dark web is a hidden section of the internet that’s intentionally obscured and often requires specific software, like Tor, to access. While it’s not exclusively for criminal activity, the dark web is a hub for illegal activities, data trading, and stolen information—everything from personal credenti...2024-11-1523 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP206 – How to Recruit for Free with Josh Wood & Ian Luckett Our conversation opens with Josh explaining why so many MSPs find recruitment such a challenging task. He points out that MSPs often carry a reputation for intense, fast-paced environments that might deter potential candidates who are looking for a better work-life balance. This, coupled with the industry's persistent skills shortage, makes recruitment even more complex for MSPs. Josh goes on to share insights on what MSPs can do to tackle these obstacles head-on, starting with how they present themselves to potential recruits. He notes that recruitment in many ways mirrors marketing, as it requires MSPs to sell not only...2024-11-0828 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP204 - 9 Steps to MSP Scaling Success with Ian Luckett  Many MSPs I speak to know something isn't quite right in their business, but they don't always know where to start when it comes to fixing it. It can feel overwhelming trying to juggle all the different moving parts – managing a team, focusing on technical work, and attempting to drive sales and marketing efforts all at once. In this episode, I break down the proven MSP Scale System we use at the MSP Growth Hub to help you get unstuck, refocus, and ultimately achieve the MSP success you're aiming for.  The first key step is all about build...2024-10-2523 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP201 – BF Edition – How to Grow My MSP In 2025 with Ian Luckett One of the biggest traps I see MSP owners fall into is waiting until the end of the year to think about what they want to achieve next year. Why wait until December or January to make plans for growth? If you want to grow your MSP, the planning needs to start right now, while there’s still time left in the year to make an impact. Don’t fall into the trap of doing the same thing every week and expecting different results. It's time to make a change.  I’ve spoken to countless MSP owners who’ve...2024-10-0413 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP199 - Why Becoming a Cyber Advisor Will Help Your MSP Grow with Neil Smith and Ian Luckett Neil Smith explains how his journey into the cyber advisor space has not only strengthened his business by enhancing his credibility but also provided new revenue opportunities. He explains that the cyber advisor role is not just about securing clients but about positioning yourself as a trusted authority in the field of cybersecurity. With cybersecurity becoming more complex, Neil highlights the importance of MSPs adopting the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications as a minimum standard. According to Neil, these certifications, which are significant milestones, are achievable and can set an MSP apart from the competition.  A...2024-09-0625 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP194 – Ask Stuart #16 - Taking Back Control of Your Week with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Stuart started by setting the scene with a fundamental truth: time is our only finite resource. Whether you're scaling your MSP to that first £1,000,000 milestone or pushing towards the £5,000,000 mark, the effective management of your time can be a game-changer. Stuart reminded us that the key to making a significant impact is to be intentional with our time. Without deliberate planning, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle where every day feels like Groundhog Day – a bit better or worse, but fundamentally the same, with little progress towards your long-term goals.  One of the major takeawa...2024-08-0222 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP193 - Why You Are Holding Yourself Back with Ian Luckett Ian begins by emphasising the importance of habits in maintaining consistent progress. He notes that while annual goals often lose their momentum as life’s demands take over, small daily habits can keep individuals aligned with their vision and help them stay on track.  Introducing the gap and the gain concept by Dan Sullivan, Ian explains that many people measure their progress by the gap between where they are and where they want to be, leading to frustration and disappointment. Instead, he suggests measuring the gain—looking back at achievements to boost confidence and motivation.  Ian hi...2024-07-2622 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP190 - Want more sales in your MSP? Do this now! with Ian Luckett We start by addressing the fundamental need for a structured approach to sales in the MSP sector. It's not about quick fixes or hoping for that golden unicorn prospect. Instead, it’s about implementing a consistent process and understanding that building meaningful relationships takes time. We’ve crafted a comprehensive "shoe leather sales plan" designed to get your MSP on track with clear, actionable steps.  First and foremost, set some realistic targets. Without clear goals, it’s impossible to measure success. For most MSPs, acquiring one new client a month can be transformative. By setting targets, you can bre...2024-07-0516 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP189 - The Dangers of Being a Profit Passenger in Your MSP – Success Stories with Gary Rayner & Ian Luckett Gary Rayner, after 18 years in business and on the verge of reaching a seven-figure turnover, recognised the need to shift his approach to managing finances within his MSP. Initially, his in-house bookkeeper managed day-to-day invoicing and bookkeeping, a role that evolved from Gary himself to an ad-hoc helper, and finally, a dedicated in-house process. Despite his interest and involvement in finance, Gary realised that what got his MSP to its current level wouldn’t be enough to propel it forward. The turning point came when his bookkeeper retired, and Gary temporarily resumed those duties, which highlighted areas where the bu...2024-06-2828 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP188 - How Your Customer Experience Can Multiply Your MSP’s Profits with Justin Neale & Ian Luckett Our conversation with Justin Neale was packed with useful tips and strategies to help improve customer experience and ultimately drive higher profits for MSPs. Justin, who has an extensive background in customer experience from his time at Airbus Group, now dedicates his expertise to helping smaller, more nimble companies, including MSPs, optimize their customer journeys. We began by discussing why customer experience is more crucial than ever. Justin highlighted that while MSPs typically enjoy high customer retention rates, there is always room to improve and create even stronger bonds with clients. This is particularly vital in today’s...2024-06-2131 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP186 - Your MSP Isn’t Growing… Time to Look in the Mirror with Brian Hoppe & Ian Luckett We kick off the discussion by addressing a common issue faced by many MSP owners: the lack of growth. Brian and I agree that often, the first step to resolving this issue is self-reflection. Brian highlights the importance of looking in the mirror and recognising that the current state of your business is a direct result of your actions and decisions. This concept might be tough to accept, but it’s a crucial step towards meaningful change.  One of the main obstacles MSP owners face, is imposter syndrome. Brian points out that many MSP owners start as tec...2024-06-0725 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP184 - The Future of Running Your MSP in an AI World with Jay McBain & Ian Luckett We kicked off the conversation by exploring how the MSP sector is currently valued at a staggering $548 billion, with an annual growth rate of 12%. This growth is particularly significant given the challenging global economic environment. Jay emphasised that the demand for managed services continues to rise, with 82% of businesses now outsourcing some or all of their IT needs. This shift marks a dramatic increase from a decade ago when only 30% of companies outsourced IT services. One of the key drivers behind this surge in demand is cybersecurity. Jay pointed out that even the largest banks and government...2024-05-2435 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP181 – Ask Stuart #15 - We Don’t Agree…Now What? With Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Stuart discusses how often, in MSPs, conflict arises not because of big strategic disagreements but because of the minutiae—the small details that can become significant stumbling blocks. He emphasises the importance of rising above the 'weeds' of these details to gain a clearer, broader perspective of the business goals. This approach, he explains, helps in realigning team members by focusing on the overarching destination rather than the specific routes or modes of transport, be they Porsches, BMWs, or trucks!  One of the key takeaways from our discussion is the importance of defining what success looks like for...2024-05-0318 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP179 - Ask Stuart #14 - What Do You Want from Your Business? with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick 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 onl...2024-04-1922 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP178 - We Want Different Things…Now What?! with Joe Burns & Ian Luckett 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 vast...2024-04-1232 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP176 - Ask Stuart #13 - How Do I Stop My Clients from Bothering Me? - with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick 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.  2024-03-2812 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP174 - Ask Stuart #12 - Why You Don't Need a Salesperson Now ...Or Ever with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Throughout our conversation, Stuart offers -useful tips and sheds light on why, in our opinion, MSPs might not require a salesperson to achieve substantial growth. This viewpoint, while potentially controversial, is grounded in extensive experience and observations within the MSP industry. Stuart argues that for MSPs with a revenue of under £2 million, investing in a salesperson may not be the most efficient or effective strategy to generate new leads and foster business growth. Instead, focusing on marketing strategies, client relationship building, account management, and refining service packages could yield better returns without the need for a dedicated sales role. ...2024-03-1523 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP173 - Ask Stuart #11 - How Do I Know if I Am Being Successful in My MSP? with Ian Luckett and Stuart Warwick Having cash in the bank, a steady stream of clients, and a growing team might seem like indicators of success, but as we explore with Stuart, success in the MSP world is much more subjective than it first appears. Our conversation unpicks the complexities of defining and measuring success in a sector where survival can often overshadow strategic growth.   When starting your MSP, the initial focus is usually on getting the business off the ground rather than defining what success looks like. This survival instinct, while crucial, can later obscure the true potential of an MSP to ev...2024-03-0818 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP170 – The Reality of Securing Your MSP in 2024 with Keith Hayes and Ian Luckett One key takeaway from our conversation with Keith is the importance of taking a proactive approach to security rather than simply relying on reactive measures. Keith emphasises the need for regular checking and monitoring, stressing that security should be someone's whole responsibility within the MSP team. By implementing thorough ticket triage and actively protecting against potential threats, MSPs can instil confidence in their clients and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding their systems.    Change control emerges as a fundamental aspect of maintaining security within an MSP environment, according to Keith. Understanding what changes are being made an...2024-02-2329 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP168 - So You Think You’re Busy! - Getting Out of Overwhelm with Claire Jenks & Ian Luckett One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of prioritizing self-care, particularly in the realms of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Claire emphasizes the significance of refuelling and recharging our bodies to maintain peak performance, especially in high-stress environments like the MSP industry. By focusing on sleep quality and adopting small lifestyle changes, such as time chunking and delegating tasks effectively, we can enhance our productivity and overall well-being.    We discuss the detrimental effects of procrastination and perfectionism, which often lead to paralysis and hinder growth in business. Claire encourages MSP owners to da...2024-02-0931 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP166 - Creating a World Class Service Delivery Culture in your MSP with Darren Strong & Ian Luckett Darren kicks things off by emphasizing the critical importance of having a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) in the MSP sector. In a market saturated with providers, standing out is a challenge, and your USP is your secret weapon. Often, MSPs fall into the trap of offering generic USPs like quick response times or dedicated account managers. Darren advises us to dig deeper. He suggests that we ask our existing clients what made them choose our services and what they value most. This feedback can uncover the unique strengths that can set your business apart.    But ha...2024-01-2629 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP162 - 2024 Let's Go! How to Make This Year Matter with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick One of the fundamental concepts we explore is whether you'll choose to be a competitor or a creator in 2024. It's a choice that can significantly impact the trajectory of your MSP. Competing means constantly fighting for a share of the existing pie, believing resources are limited, and you need to outwork the competition. But is that the best approach?    Stuart encourages MSPs to consider becoming creators instead. This mindset shift involves innovating, focusing on what you can build uniquely, and differentiating your business from the competition. Rather than fighting for scraps, become the creator of so...2024-01-0118 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP161 - An MSP Year to Remember with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick So, it seems apt as we recap our top 4 episodes, that we start with one of the most common challenges we see facing MSPs -   knowing where to start when it comes to growing their businesses.     In Episode 139, titled "Where Do I Start When I Want to Grow My MSP?" we addressed this common hurdle. Many MSPs struggle to navigate the overwhelming amount of support and resources available. The key takeaway here is that finding the right starting point is crucial. Building a clear growth plan is the first step in the journey.   ...2023-12-2522 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP160 - Ask Stuart #9 - What Should the People Structure of My MSP Look Like with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett Building the right team and establishing a well-structured workforce is essential for any MSP looking to scale and thrive. Stuart shares his invaluable insights on this often-challenging topic, shedding light on why it's such a crucial issue and offering practical tips to help you get it right.    Understanding the Challenge   As Stuart explains, creating the ideal people structure within your MSP is a challenge because it revolves around, well, people. Managing a team, particularly as your MSP grows, becomes one of the most complex and significant tasks. It's not just about hiring the righ...2023-12-1523 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP158 - Ask Stuart #8 - How Do I Get More Cash in My Pocket with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett Stuart begins by emphasising the importance of scrutinising costs, both in your personal finances and within your MSP. It's astonishing how often we overlook those small monthly subscriptions that add up over time. Stuart shares a recent example of a client who discovered £2,300 in unnecessary recurring costs, equivalent to a full-time engineer's salary. So, a quick win for boosting your MSP's cash flow is to regularly review your expenses.    Knowing your numbers is the next crucial step. Stuart highlights that it's not just about tracking money in and out; it's about understanding the components of you...2023-12-0119 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP156 - Ask Stuart #6 - Why You Need A-Players in Your MSP with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett Defining A-Players  So, what exactly are A-players in the MSP world? Stuart breaks it down for us. A-players are those individuals who are not just content with the status quo. They have the drive to step into their full potential in their careers, often going above and beyond their job description. These are the people who aspire to lead, innovate, and make a significant impact on your MSP.     If you're an ambitious MSP looking to scale confidently, A-players are the ones you want on your team.    The Consequences of Not Ha...2023-11-1724 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP154 - Getting Unstuck - Client Success Stories with Julian Shelley & Ian Luckett Julian Shelley, a successful MSP owner, began his journey in 2011 when ‘Managed Service Provider’ was not yet a widely recognized term. He started his business with a clear goal: to provide IT support that was better than what he had experienced as an employee in other IT companies. Over the years, his company, Woodstock IT, grew steadily, adding one employee per year and, by 2023, had a team of 13 dedicated professionals. However, despite this growth, Julian began to feel stuck and disconnected from his passion for the business.    The turning point came when Julian attended an MSP Gr...2023-11-0322 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP151 – BF Edition – Time to Look in The Mirror and Run Your Own Race with Ian Luckett Here are our top three tips to help you get out of your own way:    1. Be Consistent and Build a Great Simple Plan:   We've all heard it before, but consistency is truly the key to success. This mantra applies more than ever in the MSP world. The marketplace can be unpredictable, and technology is perpetually evolving. Focusing on a well-structured plan, being consistent in your approach and staying accountable will set you on the right path. Remember, the beauty often lies in simplicity. You don't always need an elaborate strategy. Sometimes, all it take...2023-10-0616 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP150 – Why Your Story Is Important with Matt Newton and Ian Luckett In this episode of the IT Experts Podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into a rich conversation with a 7-figure Ex-MSP business owner, Matt Newton. Matt's story isn't just another tech journey. It’s an illuminating narrative on the power of Vision, Values, and understanding one's own WHY in the business landscape.     Matt is of the firm belief that any tech solution or business model can be exponentially enhanced when grounded in a clear and robust vision. Through our discussion, he shed light on how his own vision, crystalised over time, became the guidi...2023-09-2941 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP149 - Why You Shouldn’t Miss the 2023 MSP Global Event with Christian Jaeger, Soeren von Varchmin and Ian Luckett MSP GLOBAL, bought to you by the creators of CloudFest, is an opportunity to join the top leaders in the MSP space to gain the insights and make the connections you’ll need to thrive in this constantly changing industry.  Soeren talks about some of the headline speakers that will be taking to the stage including Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister & Head of Government of Finland. It isn't every day that we get to hear about the youngest Prime Minister of Finland making her mark, especially in such a male-dominated sphere. Soeren passionately emphasised how vital such progress is for...2023-09-2227 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP148 - The Top 5 Helpdesk Automations that every MSP needs with Bradley Munday from Uptime Solutions and Ian Luckett Bradley Munday from Uptime Solutions joined us to shed light on the top 5 automations every MSP should be integrating.    First and foremost, Escalations. A critical aspect of managing an incident is recognising its journey through the helpdesk. While automating the ticket escalation process is common, Bradley stresses the importance of ensuring your system automatically logs 'who' escalated 'what'. This isn't just about operational efficiency. It’s a treasure trove of information that pinpoints individual competencies and highlights areas requiring further training.    Up next is Tagging Tickets. With most PSA systems offering ticket...2023-09-1533 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP146 - Ask Stuart #5 - How Do I Get More Fresh Leads in My MSP with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Stuart and I embarked on an enlightening journey through the power of a Call to Action (CTA) in the realm of MSP marketing.    What We Unpacked:    1. The Essence of CTA:  Stuart kicked off our discussion by highlighting how CTAs aren't just mere buttons or links; they're the pivotal connectors between content and action. He metaphorically described the absence of a CTA as "shooting blanks", emphasizing the missed opportunities when we don't guide our audience.    2. Deciphering the Sales Process:   Stuart shared a valuable perspective on the sa...2023-08-2520 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP140 - Ask Stuart #2 - How Do I Find More Time in My Day? With Ian Luckett and Stuart Warwick Stuart began our conversation by acknowledging a familiar scenario. Many MSPs feel like superheroes, swooping in to save clients who reach out to them directly. Yet, he highlights the need to evaluate the cost of these 'rescue missions', both in terms of time and potential revenue lost. You could be unknowingly spending substantial chunks of your day on £10 or £100 tasks, while your attention should be focused on high-value £1000 tasks that significantly contribute to your business's growth and profitability.    So, how do you rectify this situation? Stuart offers practical, actionable advice: set up auto-responses for emails and v...2023-07-1413 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP136 – The Secret to Building a Pipeline of Profit Part 1 with Ian Luckett and Stuart Warwick In this episode, Stuart highlights a crucial aspect: that the most challenging part of this process isn't necessarily the strategic application but overcoming self-imposed obstacles. This episode emphasises the concept of "getting out of your own way." Stuart explains how this key move can make a substantial difference, not only in the realm of account management but in various areas of running a successful MSP business. With newfound confidence and better conversations, MSP owners start unlocking their business potential.  In line with this, Stuart notes that these extra earnings don't instantly change net profits, as the funds a...2023-06-1617 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP133 – Securing Your Stack with Andrew Eardley from MSP Easy Tools and Ian Luckett Andrew shares a real example of how MSP Easy Tools was able to identify a breach within an MSPs system, who was trialling their software. Initially, the client thought it was a system error but upon closer inspection, it was revealed that cybercriminals had infiltrated the MSPs platform for over 90 days, unnoticed, posing a threat to all their clients. Andrew elaborates on how his company swiftly helped the client to secure their system and protect all their tenants, as well as sharing some of the core principles that can help MSPs reduce cyber risk both in their own business...2023-05-2631 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP127 - Daring to Delegate - The Art of Supercharging Your Team with Ian Luckett I am lucky to speak to you about a very important strategy. Let’s unbuckle this D-word that will help us boost our MSP growth in every aspect.   For most of us, MSP or business owners, we tend to involve ourselves ensuring that all areas in our team is performing well. Our want and need to be in control put us in administrative challenges. However, tune in as I talk about tips and strategies on how to face the dilemma of assigning someone else to do the work.   I also love how this episode revelead some o...2023-04-1718 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP122 - The 4 Tools Every MSP Needs to Manage Their Pipeline with Ben Spector & Ian Luckett We have previously heard from him in one of our episodes, Ben Spector from Zomentum shares his insights while we ask for his help in simplifying some of the key tools that MSPs need in their growth journey to reach their objectives or directions ahead. In the first few minutes, we will hear from Ben and specifically about the extensive measures his company takes in helping MSPs. He first shares his experiences and views on MSPs experiencing multi-stack issues and gives some tips on how to handle it. Make sure not to miss out on t...2023-03-0630 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP111 - Getting Out of Your Own Way - Client Stories with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick Such a great episode we have here since we have never done this before. This meaningful episode is inspired by a session we did in the MSP Growth Hub weeks ago. I’d like to believe that this is truly inspiring to everyone, especially to the MSP owners as we help you understand how important releasing one’s potential is.   I started by asking Stuart what made him decide to start talking with this particular client. Indeed, how this client started was inspiring they really underwent the hustle and bustle journey of growth.   Just like any su...2022-10-2423 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP110 – The Ultimate MSP Podcast Crossover In the IT & MSP space, opportunities do not disappear. In fact, they keep on coming. Whether you are a small MSP or a booming 7-figure MSP, there are always opportunities for your business, that are right for you and help you grow your MSP to YOUR next level.  This is the big finale with the “It's a Big Tech Quiz” that will show just how little a lot of us actually know about tech!  You can also hear this crossover show on any of our channels:  Ian Luckett: https://innovatetosuccess.com/itega-podcast/     Richard Tubb: https://ww...2022-09-3026 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP109 - 36 Powerful Ideas - Now it's time for ACTION with Ian LuckettIn this fifth and final episode of the special IT Experts Podcast mini-series, we dive into the 36 powerful ideas and talk about finally taking all you learned into action to scale your MSP with confidence.  These 36 powerful ideas to scale your MSP comes from a resource that we have where you can actually download right HERE and is spread out into the five key episodes in this mini-series.     As usual, I briefly share with you what this mini-series is about, how it came together, how many episodes this consists of, and a recap of the previous...2022-09-2726 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP108 – 36 Powerful Ideas – Maximising Your Opportunities with Ian LuckettIn this fourth episode of the special IT Experts Podcast mini-series, we dive into the 36 powerful ideas and talk about maximising your opportunities to scale your MSP with confidence.    These 36 powerful ideas to scale your MSP comes from a resource that we have that you can actually download right HERE and is spread out into the five key episodes in this mini-series.    As usual, I briefly share with you what this mini-series is about, how it came together, how many episodes this consists of, and a recap of the previous episodes.   In this episode of th...2022-09-2218 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP106 – 36 Powerful Ideas – Harnessing Your Ambition with Ian LuckettThese 36 powerful ideas to scale your MSP comes from a resource that we have where you can actually download right HERE and will be spread out into the five key episodes in this mini-series.    As usual, I briefly share with you what this mini-series is about, how it came together, how many episodes this consists of, and what these episodes are.   Now, being the second episode of the mini-series, this is all about harnessing your ambition. It is all about taking you from being distracted and being completely demanded on by eve...2022-09-1520 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP105 – 36 Powerful Ideas – The Mind Behind Success with Ian Luckett In this first episode of a special IT Experts Podcast mini-series, we dive into the 36 powerful ideas and understand the mind behind success to scale your MSP with confidence.  These 36 powerful ideas to scale your MSP comes from a resource that we have that you can actually download right HERE, and will be spread out into the five key episodes in this mini-series.  As I briefly share with you what this mini-series will consist of, I also share how it’s important to get your pen and notepad (or electronic notepad) ready as I will be g...2022-09-1223 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP104 - Are You the Reason Why Your MSP Is Not Growing with Ian Luckett As MSP owners and operators, our growth journey is intrinsically tied to our personal aspirations. Yet, how often do we truly reflect on this? Today, I'm going to share five key tips to help you take control of your MSP's growth and avoid becoming the bottleneck.     1. Visualize Your Success: It all begins with a clear vision. Where do you see your MSP in three years? Is it about spending more quality time with your loved ones, achieving financial stability, or giving back to the community? Reverse engineer your vision and create a plan to get the...2022-09-0816 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP103 – Sorting Out Your Stack with NinjaOne & Ian Luckett First things first, Stephen shares all about himself and why he was put in front of the IT Experts Podcast limelight on behalf of NinjaOne. Stephen shares that he is from the MSP world himself with 14 years running an MSP in the Northeast of England. He briefly shares his journey in the MSP space.  Stephen then talks about the transition from Ninja RMM to NinjaOne and how the whole thing came about. Steven highlights that rebranding happens especially when building and organisation and starting to change in direction.  Then Stephen talks about the difference between Ni...2022-09-0521 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP101 - Why Do I Need VCIO as a Service in My MSP with Paul Croker & Ian Luckett If there’s anyone credible about how we could use this strategy to add more value to our clients and more projects in our MSP, he is no other than a VCIO himself – Paul Croker. In letting him introduce what he’s been doing, Paul speaks of his company 18it UK which is focused on providing outsourced Virtual Chief Information Office (VCIO).   Before getting serious about how VCIOs help in the MSP journey, I asked Paul about the difference between the VCIO and the CTO role. Straightforward in his answer, we then had an interesting conversation as I asked...2022-08-2227 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP099.5 – 3 of the Best MSP Secrets with Ian Luckett Before I unfold my 100th podcast, I bring you a special wrap-up of three of the best IT Experts Podcast Episodes over the last six months. Perhaps you might be thinking why is it 99.5 that comes before a hundredth? However, as always, I want to make sure that our listening community gets the best bang for your earbuds! With that, Stuart and I are happy to announce that our 100th is going live in our Facebook Group – Scale With Confidence a specific Facebook group for IT and MSP business owners who want to scale and gr...2022-08-0126 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP099 – The MSP Journey with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett With everything that’s going on, this Episode will remind and get us through what it takes to grow and improve your MSP. As a kickstart, I moderated the conversation by letting Stuart express the importance of why they really need to be curious about what the journey looks like.   Moving forward, the Scale with Confidence formula is unfolded. Particularly, in the Three Pillars or phases, one must be patient and good enough to work with.   Firstly, we had a comprehensive discussion on what the first phase – Survive Phase is all about and what one should...2022-07-2532 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP096 – Channel Partners Europe – Leadership Keynote with Ian Luckett The Channel Partners Europe was a two-day event that happened on the 14th and 15th of June 2022. As the tech channel is at a turning point now where it’s already embracing a post-pandemic world, this event by the Channel Partners Events, showcased innovation, drove digital transformation, and provided all the channel insights and education an IT & MSP owner needs all under one roof. It was a great event where more than 500 MSPs, resellers, and vendors networked and discussed business best practices, pivotal issues, and market opportunities. It was also jam-packed with presentations and speeches from 50+ channel le...2022-06-2039 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP093 – 3 Leadership Secrets – SDC Channel Summit Keynote with Ian LuckettThe SDC Channel Summit this year was an online event that happened on the 10th and 11th of May this year, 2022. The event address both the challenges and opportunities of digital change management to help MSP owners learn how to create an innovative and sustainable future for their businesses. To begin with, I briefly discussed why leadership is important for an MSP owner to grow and scale their business. I also weighed the difference between MSP Management and MSP Leadership, topics that business owners think might be the same, but isn’t.  In summary, the 3 Lea...2022-05-2315 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP092 – Talking All Things Tech Tribe with Nigel Moore & Ian Luckett Nigel Moore is the Founder of The Tech Tribe, a growing community of MSP business owners from around the globe, with the mission to equip them to better run and grow their business and to avoid the millions of mistakes he made throughout his journey. Kicking off the episode, Nigel and I talk about how things are changing for the MSPs as he is seeing in the Tech Tribe community. Nigel briefly talks about Covid19 and Cybersecurity but from a business perspective, the change that he’s seeing in the space over the five years of building th...2022-05-1633 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP091 - Introducing The MSP Growth Hub with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick This interesting, laughter-filled, and almost unfiltered episode is brought to you by myself and Stuart Warwick, who will now become a permanent co-host of the show, to share with you our journey, from how we met to how we have been working for the past year to make The MSP Growth Hub come alive.  We also share with you the reason and the purpose and the mission behind why we decided to build the MSP Growth Hub and what you will expect from us from now on.  Stuart also discusses The MSP Journey that he kn...2022-05-0827 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP090 - 9 Things That Grind My Gears as an MSP Coach with Ian Luckett If you are struggling to understand what that means, they’re the 9 things that I hear where MSP business owners struggle with either their plan is not connected, or they do things but still don’t get great results.  As a business coach, I understand that the way to grow and scale a business if you are an ambitious MSP business owner is to have a connected strategy that encompasses everything to build the maturity of your business.  So this is where the 9 key things come in and make themselves very critical in scaling your MSP bu...2022-05-0218 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP089 – MSP SOP Super Tips with Ben Spector & Ian LuckettSpeaking of SOP, Ben Spector shares with us who he is, what he does, and who he helps. He also shares with us a bit of the back history of his previous life. Before we dive into the main part of the show, I ask Ben what he would have done differently after knowing what he now knows today. Ben says that it will be delegating more effectively to the people you hired to do better than you. It was something he really struggled with especially in understanding that he didn’t have to do everything. ...2022-04-1831 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP087 – How to Stand Out from Your Competition in 2022 with Richard Tubb & Ian Luckett Like a standard operating procedure, Richard quickly shares who he is, what he does, and who he helps. He shares how his many mistakes as an MSP business owner are now helping MSP business owners now. We’re starting off the episode straight to the point as I ask Richard the two or three things that he thinks an MSP should master to stand out from the crowd and their competition. I also ask Richard about the landscape he sees in the MSP space this year. Richard says that first, we should go back to th...2022-04-0421 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP086 – MSP Mindset Magic with Richard Tubb & Ian LuckettA lot of you already know who Richard Tubb is, I presume, but if you don’t, Richard humbly introduces himself. He briefly shares his journey, from selling his MSP business about 11 years ago to now helping MSP business owners avoid the many mistakes he made himself when he was running his MSP business. Kicking off this energy-filled episode, Richard and I started talking straight about the mindset of an MSP business owner. I asked Richard what things that MSP business owners need to get their head around being a business owner with a technical background. Referring to...2022-03-2826 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP085 – Meeting Your Customers Where They’re At by Nate Freedman & Ian Luckett As usual, Nate introduces and lets us know a little more about himself, who he is, what he does, and how he helps MSPs with Marketing.  Kicking off the episode, we then go straight-talking about one of the strategies from the whole marketing toolbox. I ask Nate how he came about with this whole concept of meeting prospects and customers where they’re at. Nate says this is something that he’s learned seven years ago from his sales coach and his mentor.  It’s something that he has seen being done by a lot of their...2022-03-2126 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP084 – BF Edition – Why Attend an MSP Event with Ian LuckettOne of the biggest reasons that people don’t attend MSP events is that they can’t see the value they will get from it. This is why we have come up with this short sharp blast to help you understand the value that you will get in attending an MSP event. Attending an MSP event is all about being purposeful, and I share with you my experience as well. This episode is short, but I hope this is enough for you to not only consider going to an MSP event this year, but I also...2022-03-1411 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP083 – How to Buy Another MSP with Daniel Welling and Ian Luckett If you are a new listener, I briefly mentioned the two pillar episodes that make this a brilliant trilogy series which are Episode 75, where we talk about how to increase the value of your MSP and Episode 80, the dos and don’ts when you want to exit your MSP. What a journey it has been indeed.  As usual, again just for the new listeners who have yet to keep up with this series, I asked Daniel to explain briefly who he is, what he does, and who he helps. He shares his experience in the area of buy...2022-03-0626 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP081 – BF Edition – Getting Out of the Weeds – 5 Tips to Reduce MSP Overwhelm with Ian Luckett Most times, MSP business owners are so consumed in making sure the business grows technically and serve more clients, that they get themselves stressed and overwhelmed with everything that’s happening within the business.   Although some of you might think that is a good thing, in this short and quick break-fix episode, I will tell you why it’s not and the 5 things you can do to avoid it.  Here are my 5 tips to reduce that MSP overwhelm and free yourself from stress:  Block your time.  Change your environment. Have clear SOPs. Delegate to build tru...2022-02-2111 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP080 – Preparing to Exit Your MSP with Daniel Welling & Ian Luckett Just five episodes ago in Episode 75, Daniel Welling helped us learn how to increase the value of your MSP especially in case you want to exit. So, this will be a second part of a trilogy episode with Daniel where the third one, coming up real soon is when we delve into how to buy an MSP.  First and foremost, for those who haven’t listened to the previous episode, which I highly recommend you do, Daniel shares with us who he is, what he does, and who he helps.  Kicking off the main discussion of t...2022-02-1422 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP079 – MSP Success Stories – Vermont Systems with Chris Ward & Ian LuckettChris shared how stressful the first few years of the business were for him when he took over. He lost grip of the culture and the business, no KPIs to measure, and no core values to immerse themselves in. He didn’t know what success looked like and also didn’t know what a good customer looked like. It was because of football that made Chris think enough is enough and things need to change He saw how invested his people are in football more than the business. That’s when he made a decision that scared him th...2022-02-0733 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP078 – MSP Marketing Trends in 2022 with Paul Green & Ian Luckett Kicking off this high-energy episode, Paul briefly talked about his pre-MSP Marketing career which went from his 13-year experience in the radio broadcasting industry to starting a PR agency to general Marketing and finally to ‘marrying’ MSP Marketing.  Paul then continued to introduce and share what he does now with MSP Marketing.  We went straight directly to MSP Marketing trends, and I ask him about the difference between generic Marketing and MSP Marketing. Paul briefly shares that this year, 2022, and the next 2 years, the way we do marketing is going to be affected by Covid. He thi...2022-01-3132 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP077 – Mastering MSP Sales Success with Fiona Challis & Ian Luckett To start with, Fiona introduces herself, what she does In the MSP Channel, how she started in the channel, and who she helps.  Kicking off this value-loaded episode, I ask Fiona what she sees as the biggest blocker in MSP sales or the thing that scares MSP business owners the most. Fiona says it’s taking them out of their comfort zone, which is being technical. We both agree that just like they need to work on the technical side of their MSP business, they need to work on the sales and marketing side too.   Fiona...2022-01-2427 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP076 – MSP Website Success 101 with Mark Copeman & Ian Luckett Mark starts off by sharing a bit about himself, what he does and who he helps, but this time, it’s all relating to MSP website success  Kicking off this episode, I ask Mark why websites are so important in the sales process. Mark says that you are what you are online and unless you portray yourself in the right way, no one will know about you. If you portray yourself in the wrong way, people will get an impression of you that isn’t necessarily true.  Mark and I then tackled the biggest mistake that MSPs are...2022-01-1723 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP075 – How to Increase the Value of Your MSP with Daniel Welling and Ian LuckettNormally, we’re talking about business growth, but in this episode, we’ll take a different turn and talk about some of the tactical things that MSPs need to do to build their business value so that when they exit, they have got a business that’s worth some money, and all the hard work, pain, and stress will be worth it. To start off, Daniel introduced himself, what he does in The MSP Finance Team, and who they help. Daniel and I will also do two more episodes, one about what to do when you actually sell t...2022-01-1023 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP072 – Knowing Your MSP Numbers with Adam Morris & Ian Luckett As usual, we kick off the episode with Adam sharing with us about who he is, what he does, and who he helps. Adams goes us through his journey from owning an MSP to running The MSP Finance Team, a company that helps MSP owners manage money.  Adam and I quickly chat about how managing finances well in an MSP business is as important as the operations. Adam also shares that the most transformative thing that happened in their business was educating and bringing up to speed the service directors and service team members from the financial persp...2021-12-1328 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP071 - Understanding Help Desk Habits with Mark Copeman & Ian Luckett Mark has been in the MSP channel for years and has written a book around help desk habits, and has developed and created online courses around it, as well as MSP website success. (Hint hint: our next podcast episode)  Before we kick off the episode which is value-loaded about what help desk habits you should have, Mark tells us about himself, who he is, what he does, and who he helps.  Then to start, I ask Mark first about service recovery paradox, what it is and why it’s so important in IT. Mark thinks it is critical to be...2021-12-0631 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP065 - Essential MSP Disaster Recovery Tips with Melvyn White from Axcient and Ian Luckett We talked about how planning and processes play a critical role in disaster recovery, especially in this past year or so.   Melvyn also mentioned about how important it is to "Plan for the worst-case scenario!". Your team should not be only thinking about point products and point solutions but how these products and solutions fit into a plan and how to execute this plan to counter disasters.  He also shared with us his 4 step MSP business continuity and disaster recovery process. They are:  1. Create a comprehensive risk assessment and business impact analysis - Look a...2021-10-2521 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP063 – The Pillars to MSP Success with Karl Palachuk and Ian Luckett First things first, Karl shares how he started in the IT & MSP space, how it all began for him, and how he got to where he is today.   Karl says he has loved technology from day one and that took him to who he is now.   Karl and I exchange sharing career experiences and he shares how he learned a lot about “the right way to do things”.  We then briefly talk about one of Karl’s key pillars to his thinking which is around prioritisation of what you’re doing and not be interrupt-d...2021-10-1138 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP060 - MSP Success Stories - The LMS Group with Luke Mead & Ian Luckett In today's episode, we are joined by Luke Mead from the LMS Group, a multi-7 figure MSP -- which started at the age of 15, while working at a part-time job cleaning gravy pans one fateful Wednesday in a local restaurant.   Luke started the business so young at his parents' dining room and still needed to be driven to his clients' offices. He registered his Ltd company back in 2010 at 19 years old, with their first official office right above a kitchen restaurant.  Today, LMS Group is a multi-awarded and accredited MSP business with a team of expert...2021-09-2032 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP059 - Straight Talking Cyber Security with Mostyn Thomas and Ian Luckett In the business world, especially within the IT & MSP space, there had been and there will always be attacks. It’s just a case of how they present themselves in the world. In this episode, we learn and understand how to react to them and most importantly, how to respond to them.  We kicked off the episode with Mostyn sharing with us who he is, what he does and who he helps. Mostyn is the CEO of Astrix and they specialise in cyber security for MSPs.  Mostyn and I started by discussing what he would persona...2021-09-0527 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP058 – How to Optimise Your Microsoft 365 Revenue with Phil Hames & Ian Luckett To start, I share a brief summary of how Phil and I connected and then Phil went on to introduce himself, what he does and who he helps.  Phil shares that they specialise in looking at customers’ usage of Microsoft 365, having noticed that there is a lot of underutilisation of the app and people are leaving value on the table. Phil says they think there is a great opportunity for partners particularly in the IT & MSP space.  Phil’s company has conducted a lot of research, over 10,000 users in detail and have found that in general, on...2021-08-3021 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP057 – Beyond Awesome: Creating Systems for Success with Ian Luckett, a Bitdefender Podcast with Jason Eberhardt and Heather HarlosThe podcast episode is called Beyond Awesome: Creating Systems for Success and in this episode, there is much vulnerability from me. We begin the episode with myself sharing personal things like my story and who I am outside of the IT Experts Community. I also shared with Jason and Heather where I came from, why I’m doing what I’m doing and how we at IT Experts are helping the IT & MSP community. I also share with you, and the guys from Bitdefender my favourite movie, and something that people don’t know about me! Do...2021-08-2327 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP056 – 'Please STOP Selling the TECH In Your MSP' with Ian LuckettI love to work in a collaborative manner with the members of the IT Experts community, but sometimes we need a bit of “Tough Love! In this episode, I am telling you frankly to stop selling the tech in your MSP and check out this short sharp blast on what you should do instead and more importantly how to change your messaging to help resonate with your target market better To begin with, I highlighted that not all MSPs are the same though they do the same function, just like business coaches! I wa...2021-08-1611 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP053 - Benefits of MS Dynamics In Your MSP with John Clark & Ian LuckettToday we talk about business automation, process automation and delivering significant stickiness to your clients by providing them effectively with their own PSA Tool. To start off, John shared the journey of the company which started as a one-man MSP then transitioning to a company that’s now a Dynamics for SME-based clients. John then touched on technical side of things like details about Microsoft Dynamics and the apps they include. He describes MS Dynamics as a big box of Lego. John and I then continued to talk about how MS Dynamics brought a massive im...2021-07-2624 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP052 - The Future of the MSP Business with Jason Kemsley and Ian Luckett Part 2I asked Jason what the relationship with new clients will look like in the future, and how conversations will change. Jason believes that the biggest fundamental change in terms of client relationships is that the goals of technology will then be a direct alignment to the goals of the business. Jason and I then talked briefly about sales and how sales language is so important. I shared how it’s similar in our very own IT Experts Community within the IT Experts App where we don’t sell but rather focus on giving value and expl...2021-07-1221 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP 051 - The Future of the MSP Business with Jason Kemsley and Ian LuckettWe talked about business automation, the latest technology, the shape of leadership and the things to come in your IT & MSP business in the new way of working. Jason began talking about how he sees rapid changes within the structure of the MSP and helpdesk as a whole. He talks about the points he believes will be in the future of MSP and help desk like how the customer care piece is going first line and product portfolios will just continue to grow and grow. Then Jason and I weighed in briefly on the maturity...2021-06-2833 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP039 - How Does Targeted Marketing Works in MSP with Scott Millar and Ian Luckett In this episode of the IT Experts Podcast, we are fortunate to be joined by IT Rockstars' Scott Millar as we talk about how important is nailing your niche in your IT and MSP Business.  Scott talked about how helpful it is in generating more business in your IT and MSP business to really figure out your niche. And once you have clarity of what your vertical is, you need to map out your customer journey and figure out how you move each prospect from one section to another.  He also shared how targeted marketing wor...2021-03-0835 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP034 - Perfect MSP Pricing with Nigel Moore & Ian Luckett In this episode of the IT Experts Podcast, we are joined by The Nigel Moore from Tech Tribe.   Previously, he built a 1.5M AU$ MSP business, and exited in 2016. And today, we are going to be talking about how perfect pricing works in your IT & MSP business.   We talked about the importance of confidence in building and growing your IT & MSP business. You need to know and trust yourself to do what you need to do; only then can you take your business to YOUR next level.  Nigel shared one of the mistakes of many...2021-02-0133 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP033 - MSP Business Growth Strategy 101 with Ian Luckett And in today's episode, I share with you 5 key business growth strategy elements that you can easily adapt in your IT & MSP business.   We cover the model that we use here at IT Experts, and that is the IT Experts MSP Profit Builder System. This system is broken down into the five elements that we cover today. They are:  1. The Profit Builder Blueprint  2. The 5 P's Sales System  3. People Performance Programme  4. MSP Profit Maximiser  5. The Powerful Performance Plan  I hope that this episode helps you in your jo...2021-01-2811 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP031 - 5 Fundamentals to Become a Great MSP Business Leader with Ian Luckett We all agree that the current world situation (even when this is too far from ideal) has opened opportunities to the IT & MSP industry.   Yes, you might have added a few clients, you needed to recruit new people, and the cashflow is doing good.   However, the biggest challenge for you as the head of the organisation is making sure that you can maintain and improve the good things happening in your organisation right now.   More than ever, you need to step down from being a manager, and step up and become a better leader in your IT...2021-01-1828 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP030 - MSP Recruitment Secrets with Ben Leeds, Jon Martin & Ian Luckett Ben shared with us how even with the current world situation, roles in the IT & MSP space are still highly in demand, and it would be a challenge to attract a good candidate especially when you think that the market is depressed, and you can under offer.      Jon pointed out that with the skill scarcity in the IT & MSP space now, if you are looking at hiring a high-calibre talent, it is important that you adapt a mentality of "We need to work harder than before to attract the right talent".     We also dis...2021-01-1139 minThe IT Experts PodcastThe IT Experts PodcastEP010 – Using Data to Scale your Business with AJ Yager of Praxis Metrics and Ian LuckettIn this episode, I had the privilege to interview AJ Yager of Praxis Metrics Data from Austin, Texas. He will be sharing with us loads of tips on how you can learn, understand and implement Data Analysis that will help your clients grow and succeed their IT and Tech Businesses which will add value to your organization.  The purpose of this episode is to help business owners understand how Data works.  Why Data is important and how a deeper understanding on how we can analyse it in terms of Data Analysis can help Business owners su...2020-02-1736 min