Episode 246: As the MSP leader, actions beat words

The podcast powered by the MSP Marketing Edge Welcome to this week’s episode of the MSP Marketing Podcast with me, Paul Green. This is THE show if you want to grow your MSP. In this episode I explain why it’s so important to lead by example in your MSP, as your team’s behaviour will mirror your actions more than your words. (jump to) I also share a story of an MSP owner who successfully took a three-week break by properly resourcing his team, implementing clear systems, and maintaining visibility, proving his business could thrive without his constant presence. (jump to) My guest this week, Alex Harvey – an MSP owner in Norwich, England – shared that he wished he had outsourced tasks, hired sooner, and set client minimums earlier to better focus on growth and profitability. (jump to) Lastly, I take on a question from Jerome in NYC.  He wants to know how to effectively break into a vertical.  The answer – start with a dedicated page on your existing website to show your expertise and then create a separate site once you gain traction. (jump to) Join me as we unpack these topics and learn from some triumphs and trials in the MSP world. Oh, and don’t forget to join me in the MSP Marketing Facebook group. READ FULL TRANSCRIPT As the MSP leader, actions beat words Have you ever noticed how children imitate what you do more than what you say? It’s an interesting quirk of parenting, and it’s the same with your staff. The culture of your MSP is shaped far more by your actions than your words. Take my friend Dave, for instance. He spent hours venting about his boss’s contradictory behaviour. His boss insisted on cutting costs and being frugal but then flaunted a brand-new boat he bought over the weekend. This sent the wrong message to the team. Instead of feeling appreciated, they saw their cost-saving efforts as a means for the boss’s personal luxury. This not only demoralised the team but also sparked resentment. Another example involves an MSP owner, Boris, who was eager to grow his business but found marketing dull. His lack of enthusiasm showed during meetings, where he’d often check his phone or get distracted. His marketing coordinator felt undervalued and demotivated because Boris’s actions didn’t align with his words about the importance of marketing. These stories highlight a crucial lesson: if you want your team to embody certain values, you must lead by example. Whether it’s handling help desk tickets promptly or keeping the office tidy, your actions set the standard. Remember, your team, like your kids, are always watching and learning from you. Show them the behaviours you want to see, and you’ll cultivate a positive and productive culture. Watch on YouTube How to take a 3 week vacation with ZERO CALLS from your MSP’s office A few years ago, an MSP Marketing Edge member shared his impressive approach to taking a three-week break without being bogged down by work. His trip was both a holiday and a working retreat, yet he only checked emails once a day, avoiding disruptive calls entirely. Like many MSP owners, he worked hard to free hims