The role of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is to take a strategic approach to the management of your IT. Finding one with knowledge and expertise, long term experience, and a track record of efficiency will ensure you can trust them to let you get on with your business without having to worry about theirs.

Find a company that will invest in you

It is only small businesses that know small businesses. No one wants to be one of 1000 and feel like their calls are at the end of long line of other bigger customers. As you shop around, ask for client testimonials and also for more specific insight into how each MSP has helped companies like yours to improve their work flow. These initial interactions should give you a sense of how proactive and client oriented they are.

Match your priorities with their know-how

If you need on-site help, or assistance transitioning to a remote work team, find a company who can offer these services. A good MSP won't be patronizing, and should be able to walk you through solutions or new designs in as much detail as you need. Ask up front if they will be able to send someone out to your office or work space, and get the job done without any fuss.

Check their experience

When it comes to IT solutions, having experience with both the latest and oldest technology will work in your favour. An effective MSP will be able to recommend the best platforms and solutions for your business, or design new ones that suit your needs, keeping costs low and your bottom line in mind. They should also plan to be with your long term, matching solutions to your business goals.

Get to know some lingo

Understanding where your data is backed up, what a password manager is, and how your MSP will use their billable hours each month, is worth getting your head around. If you have questions your MSP should be able to explain these things to you in a language you understand, rather than bombard you with ideas that sound technical and complicated. Doing some background research and learning to see through the facade will help you find a MSP that offers the solutions that are right for you.

Everyone's business is unique and the service a MSP provides should be too.

Find one that fits like a glove and you'll have a partnership that helps you move through the ebbs and flows of your business.