In every industry, there are organizations that compile and publish lists of “top” businesses in that field.
Managed IT Services is no different.
Lists like Channel Futures 501 rankings serve the MSP community and help IT companies leverage their growth and success.
How does it work?
It all begins with filing your application and revenue verification form.
While filing this paperwork may seem onerous and a waste of time, it’s not. – We’ll explain later.
For now, let’s continue with the application process.
The application for most “Top” MSP lists requires some or all of the following information:
- Contact Information
- Name of Owner/CEO
- Service Focus of Your MSP
- Services Offered by Your MSP
- Solutions Your MSP is Leveraging
- Applications (Shadow IT) Used by Your Clients
- Growth Vectors for Your MSP
- Partnerships with Other Vendors
- Your Involvement in Horizon-Level Technology Advancements
- Company Size
- Verticals Your MSP Serves
- Peer Group Involvement
- Total End Users Under Contract
- Number of End-User Devices (physical and virtual) Under Contract
- Pricing Structure
- Revenue
- Profit
- Marketing Activities
- Number of Employees and New Hires
While all this information gathered by a list may seem intrusive, it is a tradeoff. In exchange for information (data) that they can gather and use for industry studies, you can earn a placement in the list.
Why is Filling Out Paperwork for “Top” MSP Lists Worth Your Time?
- Peer Recognition
Leaders in MSPs worldwide look at the “Top” lists. Of course, they want to see their own company listed, but they are also curious about who else made the cut this year. The peer recognition that comes from being included in the “Top” lists not only sets you among the “stars” in the industry but also sets you up for potential connections, partnerships, and deals down the road. After all, people do business with people that they know, like, and trust. Being on such a list can begin to build that relationship.
- Marketing Gold
The companies that make the most of being awarded a top spot on one of the MSP annual lists are those that leverage that honor in their marketing collateral. By putting the fact that you are #1 of 100 “Top” small MSPs in the country on your website, in a press release, and on social media, you are engendering trust and confidence in your organization. Why? Because people like to work with winners. If a potential client sees you as a leader (or at least in the leading pack) in your field, they will be more likely to do business with you.
- Industry Involvement
Part of the reason that “Top” MSP lists ask so many questions in their application to be considered is industry research. By filling out an application each year, it helps organizers put together a more thorough picture of the “state of play” across the MSP spectrum. This, in turn, helps you, the MSP, spot trends that may have otherwise escaped your notice and left you in your competitors’ dust.
Conclusion:
Although the application process for “Top” MSP lists can feel invasive and requires some time to complete, the data gathered is useful for the industry as a whole. Being awarded a spot in a “Top” MSP list helps you gain credibility with peers and gives you “bragging rights” that can be easily leveraged in marketing campaigns. All things considered, filling out applications for MSP “Top” lists can be advantageous for your organization.