MSP Startup
Overview
Title: General Manager
Area of Specialization: Technology
Location: Ohio
Term: 12 Months
Background
A successful technology provider in Ohio has decided to expand it's portfolio. Initial discussions indicate a plan to begin offering Managed Services as a part of it's overall corporate offerings. In it's current state the company does not have any employees or management with Managed Services experience. For legal protection purposes the decision is made to standup a new company, run separately from any of the existing lines of business. A new team is hired and brought in to launch this new venture.
Project Plan
- Create Company (Name, Logo, Branding, Etc.)
- Establish Target Market (Locations, Industries, Verticals, Etc.)
- Create Website (WordPress)
- Marketing Tasks (Materials, SEO Optimization, Campaigns, Etc.)
- Collateral (Business Cards, Pens, Folders, Shirts, Etc.)
- Establish Service Offerings (Managed Services, Managed Security, Hardware, Disaster Recovery, Consulting, Cloud Services)
- Establish Partnerships with Key Vendors
- Finalize Legal Framework
- Formalize Sales Strategy
- Market Test
- Hire Staff
- Launch Company / Go to Market
Length of Engagement
Initially this engagement was intended to last 24 - 36 months. Sole focus and dedication to getting this organization stood up allowed for a shorter engagement period intended to be completed in less than 18 months.
Outcome
We were able to successfully complete objectives #1 - #10 prior to April 2020. Around the time we were preparing to hire staff and go to market the Coronavirus pandemic emerged. For any startup an event that shuts whole markets down can be and ultimately was catastrophic. In May of 2020 the decision was made to formally end this startup MSP venture and to coordinate the transfer of clients to a reputable, established, MSP in the immediate market area.