3What would you say was the " secret to your success " this past year ?
In addition to allocating our efforts toward hiring quality , experienced team members , we devoted thousands of hours to bettering our automation , which resulted in a tool we created called MSP Builder . We have been using Kaseya ’ s VSA platform for over 10 years , and while we often received calls from other vendors , we always felt that Kaseya was the strongest maintenance tool . But because it ’ s so powerful , it can be challenging to use . With this knowledge , we started considering how we could invest in how to leverage Kasaya ’ s platform .
As a result , we created MSP Builder , a tool that offers a wealth of resources to any MSP , whether they are just getting started or have dozens of years of experience . Its RMM Suite provides an all-encompassing solution for RMM automation on Kaseya VSA , which optimizes the way that Kaseya works , frees the MSP from most daily administration tasks , and automatically responds to and remediates many common conditions .
This emphasis on automation closely aligned with our new hiring efforts . In previous years , we had to throw bodies at the alerts , but once we streamlined automation through MSP Builder , our team members could engage more in clientfacing revenue .
4What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome this past year regarding your growth ?
I think most MSPs will admit that one of the greatest challenges is finding the right people to hire . When we made the decision to bring on only level 3 engineers , we were adding a specification to our pool of applicants , but finding the right personality and culture fit goes far beyond an engineer ’ s classification . It ’ s your classic “ needle-in-thehaystack ” type of deal . We have a really specific company culture here at Baroan Technologies , one that we spent a lot of time developing and one that we are constantly working to maintain . We might find hundreds of tech-savvy people , but we have to ensure that they are motivated by helping others and collaborating with a team to find solutions . It ’ s certainly a challenge , but one that is definitely worth addressing patiently .
5Who would you say is the most impactful business leader or business thought-leader whose techniques or leadership style you either try to emulate or follow , and why ? the program with an E-Myth-certified coach allows you to thoroughly organize and systematize your business . During our three years meeting with our coach and implementing all we could from the program ’ s resources , we were able to build up a solid foundation that could support all the growth we ’ ve experienced these last two years .
In the MSP-specific space , two impactful leaders I follow are Erick Simpson and Paul Dippell . I never miss a single one of their webinars , and I always learn something new .
6What book would you recommend to other MSPs or SMBs trying to grow their businesses ?
I already talked about the success that Michael Gerber ’ s E-Myth Mastery Program brought Baroan Technologies , but even if you feel that you don ’ t have the time or resources to allocate to the program , I ’ d still highly recommend reading his books . The most important advice Gerber offers is how to implement an effective organizational structure . You have to have that structure in place before you can start to introduce ideas , procedures , and processes . People often get trapped in reading the “ management flavor of the month ,” which helps appease their focus . But , if they don ’ t have a strong framework to start with , implementing managerial advice from other authors will only make their operations messier . Once you have established that framework , you can do what I do and read at least one business book a month , see how the author ' s advice fits with your existing operation , and decide regarding whether or not you want to adopt it .
7In closing , do you have any specific advice or " words of wisdom " you would give to other MSPs looking to grow or build a successful exit for their business ?
Gerber once said , “ Work on your business , not in it .” It ’ s an adage that everyone repeats , but it ’ s one that is far easier said than done . At Baroan Technologies , we ’ ve found that to strike some kind of balance , you have to schedule at least one hour a day to strictly work on your business . It ’ s easy to get caught up talking to customers , managing production , reading books , and hiring people , but be sure to set aside time to focus specifically on building structure , processes , and policies and getting them in writing . If you ’ re stuck solely working in your business , you ’ ll likely experience a lot of turnover , both with employees and customers . It takes a lot of discipline , but the struggle will be worth it in the long run . n
From the early days , we ’ ve paid close attention to Michael Gerber and his original “ E-Myth : Why Most Businesses Don ' t Work and What to Do About It .” While most contemporary businesses tend to only utilize his approaches featured in “ E-Myth Revisited ,” we seriously encourage anyone and everyone to check out Gerber ’ s E-Myth Mastery Program . While it takes three years to complete , working through
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