MSPs thrive by offering their clients cutting-edge technology, expertise, and innovative solutions that enhance efficiency. Innovation is the linchpin of their success.

The most exceptional MSPs differentiate themselves by staying ahead of industry trends and encouraging their clients to embrace emerging technologies.

In the current landscape, innovation is deeply intertwined with automation.

The significance of automation

New technologies continuously emerge, revolutionizing the way we live and work. Consider the late 18th and early 19th century Industrial Revolution, which dramatically increased productivity through machinery. Similarly, the widespread availability of the Internet transformed work processes significantly. Today, automation stands out as a game-changing technology with a lasting impact.

Automation permeates all aspects of our lives, from machine learning to artificial intelligence and robotics. Its influence is evident in our interactions with retailers and how we manage our financial obligations.

Within the workplace, automation frees up valuable time and resources by automating manual, repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more revenue-generating and business-improvement activities. It facilitates skill development and enables employees to adapt to dynamic markets. 

Rather than fearing automation’s potential to replace human workers, organizations are exploring ways to enhance job roles and deliver favorable outcomes.

The future portends that automation will remain integral to organizational strategies, with 75% of IT teams increasing their investments in this technology.

Hence, ignoring automation is no longer a viable option. Doing so could stifle business growth and lead to potential failure. The time to embrace automation is now, or risk being left behind.

Should MSPs offer automation?

Trust forms the bedrock of a strategic partnership in the context of the relationship between MSPs and their clients. Clients often regard MSPs as trusted advisors, involving them in critical decision-making processes.

MSPs meticulously ensure that their clients’ infrastructure operates optimally and their technology stack functions seamlessly behind the scenes. As automation becomes a pervasive topic, clients will likely turn to their MSPs for guidance.

Clients may ask questions like, “Should we invest in automation?”, “How can we best integrate automation into our daily operations?”, “What automation tools do you recommend?” and “Do we need technical skills to utilize automation?”

MSPs should seize this opportunity to influence their clients’ adoption of automation and maximize the utilization of automation tools. This aligns with the logical progression for MSPs and opens new revenue streams.

MSPs with recurring clients and revenue streams often experience robust profitability, and selling automation solutions provides an avenue for additional earnings. 

Offering automation services can upsell existing customers and attract new ones interested in this technology.

Sell automation with airSlate

The perception that automation requires advanced technical skills can be a barrier to entry for many. Consequently, they frequently turn to MSPs, considering their technological expertise.

The growing popularity of automation solutions has introduced a range of low-code and no-code tools that are easier to implement while remaining highly powerful. Among these tools is airSlate, a no-code document workflow automation platform that enables users to create robust documents and automate workflows seamlessly.

From PDF editing to customized form creation and eSignature capabilities, airSlate is transforming the way organizations automate their processes.

What makes airSlate an ideal choice for MSPs looking to enter the automation market is the comprehensive support offered through the airSlate partner program. MSPs partnering with airSlate receive guidance from dedicated account managers and solution architects. They may also access market development funds to kickstart their automation endeavors.

On average, MSPs selling automation services via airSlate can anticipate substantial earnings from licensing and service provisions annually, even with just one client. This presents a win-win situation for both MSPs and their clients.

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High profit margins signify success and growth for managed service providers (MSPs). Elevated margins bring several advantages:

1. Significant profitability: With high margins comes more profitability, allowing MSPs to allocate resources efficiently.
2. Investment in quality: Steady profit allows for talent, training, and state-of-the-art technology investments.
3. Innovation opportunities: High margins facilitate investments in innovative solutions that benefit clients.
4. Risk mitigation: They provide a financial cushion against cybersecurity and other risks.
5. Competitive edge: High margins enable marketing and customer support investments, differentiating MSPs from competitors.

The ideal margin range for MSPs varies based on factors like the MSP’s size, services, and location. According to MSP360, MSPs should target a margin range of 8% to 18%.

So, how can MSPs achieve these desirable high margins? One way is by offering automation solutions. This article will explore the demand for automation solutions and how MSPs can incorporate automation into their service offerings.

The era of automation

Automation is a transformative force, much like the internet’s impact on the way we work. Automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are rapidly changing work dynamics. While some fear these technologies might replace jobs, they are more likely to enhance productivity.

Ignoring automation is more detrimental than incorporating it into daily operations, especially given the rising demand for automation. McKinsey’s Global Survey reveals that over 70% of respondents reported their companies were piloting automation technology, emphasizing its importance.

Selling automation solutions to MSP customers

Why does it make sense for MSPs to offer automation solutions to their clients? Clients rely on MSPs as trusted advisors for technology-related advice and operational efficiency improvements. Clients often consult their MSP for guidance when they seek a new tool.

By presenting innovative solutions, MSPs can significantly enhance the value of their providing value-added services. Incorporating automation, such as an eSignature solution or a document workflow automation tool, yields benefits for clients:

1. Increased efficiency and productivity: Automation automates repetitive tasks, saving time, reducing errors, and enabling a shift towards strategic and revenue-generating activities.

2. Cost reduction: Automation streamlines processes, reducing costs related to overstaffing, error correction, and time spent on tasks. This frees up the budget for investments in technology and MSP services.

3. Scalability and growth: Efficiency and cost-savings from automation accommodate a client’s expansion plans, and MSPs can provide expertise as clients grow.

4. Reliability and consistency: Automation reduces errors, enhancing client confidence and satisfaction.

5. Enhanced security: Automation solutions often incorporate strict security and compliance protocols, strengthening client security and data protection.

Better client relationships lead to higher margins 

Adopting automation significantly benefits the client-MSP relationship, improving efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing reliability, and fostering a collaborative partnership. These improved client relationships contribute to higher margins, achieved through:

• Lower labor costs and resource optimization: MSPs reduce labor costs and improve resource utilization.

• Revenue growth opportunities: Clients benefit from streamlined processes, leading to productivity gains and cost savings.

• Reduced delays and errors: Fewer errors result in increased productivity, time savings, and cost reductions.

• Diversification: MSPs can offer additional services and tap into new revenue streams.

• Value proposition enhancement: Clients are willing to pay higher prices for high-quality services, increasing the MSP’s value proposition.

Partnering with airSlate to sell automation solutions

airSlate offers a document workflow automation platform that empowers users to create powerful documents and automate workflows with a single, no-code platform. airSlate is an excellent solution for MSPs looking to enter the automation market, as it requires minimal technical expertise.

Clients increasingly demand automation solutions, and MSPs can fill the knowledge and resource gap by offering automation via airSlate. This partnership can yield thousands of dollars in additional revenue annually, benefiting clients.

The airSlate partner program simplifies the process of offering automation to existing clients, providing dedicated support from partner account managers and solution architects. MSPs can gain market development funds by completing a selection program.

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MSPs provide clients with a comprehensive suite of IT services, encompassing hardware, servers, security, compliance protocols, and technical support, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted operations.

As an MSP reaches a certain level of operational maturity, a natural question arises: how to expand and evolve beyond being a well-established MSP? One of the key strategies for growth is venturing into value-added reselling, known as VAR.

In this article, we will delve into the concept of value-added reselling and explore how it can be a lucrative source of revenue for established MSPs.

Understanding value-added reselling (VAR)

A value-added reseller (VAR) specializes in selling software and hardware that can benefit clients beyond the core MSP services. VAR activities go beyond the initial scope of the MSP-client agreement, often involving products or services from third-party providers. The essence of VAR is enhancing the offerings with unique benefits that may not be accessible when purchasing directly from a third party.

In the past, VARs might have sold additional office supplies to their clients, such as copy machines, on behalf of companies like Xerox. They also provided troubleshooting services as an added advantage to their customers.

In today’s context, VARs may focus on software sales. For instance, a healthcare provider recovering from a cybersecurity attack may require cutting-edge security software but lacks the expertise to procure and implement it. In this scenario, the MSP can offer the security software as a value-added service on behalf of a dedicated cybersecurity provider. The MSP manages the cybersecurity software implementation, updates, troubleshooting, and monitoring, seamlessly integrating it into their service package.

Becoming a value-added reseller

The good news is that third-party companies often seek partnerships with VARs as it helps expand their product reach in the market. Many manufacturers depend on VARs as vital distribution channels.

Typically, product vendors offer partner programs to individuals interested in value-added reselling. These programs define the prerequisites for becoming a partner and remaining in good standing. Requirements frequently include meeting revenue targets, participating in training programs, and serving a minimum number of customers.

Some MSPs transitioning into the VAR role may consider collaborating with distribution partners to source the right products and services and access necessary supplies.

A sensible starting point is leveraging existing vendor relationships. MSPs already maintain connections with various vendors, making it worthwhile to inquire about established reseller programs. Commencing with a product or service familiar to the MSP streamlines implementation and is a robust proof of concept for integrating VAR services into their existing offerings.

The benefits of embracing the value-added reselling services

Successful MSPs depend on a consistent flow of recurring revenue to sustain profitability. Predictable revenue facilitates budgeting, revenue projection, staffing expansion, customer acquisition, technology investment, and infrastructure maintenance.

MSPs seeking growth and scalability find value-added reselling appealing due to their existing client base. Top-tier MSPs are considered trusted advisors by their clients, who are likely to heed recommendations made by the MSP. This significantly increases the probability of clients being receptive to products or services offered by the MSP as a VAR.

Incorporating VAR services doesn’t necessarily require a steep learning curve for MSPs, as they already provide consulting and implementation services to their clients.

Benefits for clients engaging with value-added reselling

Clients engaging with VARs gain several advantages:

1. Enhanced assistance in implementing or troubleshooting products and services.
2. Additional perks may not be available when purchasing directly from vendors.
3. Expertise tailored to the client’s specific industry.
4. Streamlined management of multiple technologies through a single vendor, the MSP.
5. The enduring benefit of working with a trusted advisor who understands the client’s business and goals.

Becoming a VAR with airSlate

Market research and trend analysis are essential for those considering entry into the VAR arena to identify areas where companies benefit most.

Presently, automation is a key focus for numerous organizations. No-code and low-code tools are reshaping businesses’ agility, efficiency, and productivity. A McKinsey Global Survey indicates that almost 70 percent of organizations pilot automation technologies.

airSlate offers a document workflow automation platform that empowers users to create robust documents and automate workflows within a single platform. From PDF editing to custom form creation and eSigning capabilities, airSlate is revolutionizing how organizations streamline their processes.

While many organizations recognize the need for automation, they often need more resources to implement it effectively. This is where VARs can make a significant impact.

VARs have the opportunity to become automation experts and assist clients in transforming their business operations. Automation is a lasting technological trend that will continue to shape our work.

VARs selling automation services through airSlate can anticipate substantial additional revenue.

The airSlate partner program simplifies introducing automation services to existing clients. A dedicated partner account manager and solution architect guide VARs through a sales enablement process, building confidence in selling airSlate. airSlate also supports partners through market development funds for those who complete a selection program. And this MSP playbook will provide guidance for getting it done. 

The post Unlocking MSP success: The power of value-added reselling appeared first on airSlate Blog | Business automation.

It’s important to keep an open mind about artificial intelligence. Yes, there are some job duties that may be minimized, but for the most part AI can significantly enhance one’s role, versus replacing it altogether.

Ultimately, AI will create opportunities, drive efficiency and productivity, and actually help people grow their skill set.

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What is GPT-4 good for?

We read an analogy that helped put GPT-4 in perspective. It came from David Joyner, the Executive Director of Online Education and Online Master of Computer Science at Georgia Tech. He says that GPT-4 (and similar technologies) is to coding as calculators are to math.

We know that calculators did not make math obsolete or unnecessary. In fact, calculators made math much more accessible to many people. Putting GPT-4 in that context, we can have peace of mind knowing that this type of AI will bring the power of coding to prospective builders/developers who may not have the resources or time needed to learn these skills. 

Think about the impact on small businesses and startups. Not only will they be able to build new products, but they can tap into GPT-4’s writing capabilities to create and run marketing campaigns while they generate the resources needed to hire full-time employees. 

Aside from coding and writing, what can GPT-4 be used for? Thanks to its superior reasoning capabilities, the possibilities seem endless.

Here are some creative suggestions from OpenAI:

• Assist with scheduling. It can be a headache to find the right time for a meeting when you’re working with colleagues who are distributed across the globe. Save your brain power, let GPT-4 figure it out. 
• Analyze data. GPT-4 is particularly adept at deriving meaning from data. Because of that, GPT-4 can reliably forecast trends, inform on performance metrics, and make data-driven business recommendations. 
• Educate. Since the advent of the internet, students have benefitted from some form of personalized education (i.e., need to learn about a particular subject? Search the world wide web for your answers). With GPT-4, that personalization is taken to another level. Students can get tutored in what is essentially a 1:1 format using AI chatbots and take learning beyond a classroom. 
• Make dinner decisions. Tell GPT-4 what ingredients you have available, and let it give you ideas for dinner. One less thing to think about. 
• Increase accessibility. This will probably improve dramatically in the coming years, but GPT-4 can process visual information. So, someone with a visual impairment can use GPT-4 for things like reading a menu, grocery shopping, reading the news, and so on. This is incredible in terms of inclusivity and accessibility, bringing help to people’s fingertips in a truly impactful way. 

It’s mind-boggling that an AI tool can process images, solve problems, draw logical conclusions, and almost instantaneously complete any number of tasks on our behalf. There’s a significant time and cost benefit to using GPT-4. 

For example, Joe Perkins, the founder of a startup called Landscape, wrote a viral Tweet that described his experience using GPT-4 to write code for a new product his company was working on. He had gotten a quote from a developer who said it would take him 2 weeks and £5k to complete the task. But, GPT-4 got it done in 3 hours and it cost just $0.11.

As previously stated, that’s game-changing, especially for startups who don’t always have the bandwidth or resources to hire developers to build out their products, but who very much need to continue to build in order to establish themselves within a market.

So, will GPT-4 replace our jobs? 

Given the anecdote we just shared, it can really feel like GPT-4 will render some jobs (like that of a developer) obsolete. But, we don’t see it that way. 

We are just scratching the surface with AI. Yes, it can already do so much, but there will be so much more to come. That can be anxiety-inducing for some people as they consider the negative implications, but we have to keep in mind the positive implications as well.

And, importantly, we must remember that GPT-4 needs us. It relies on us to feed it information. GPT-4 isn’t sitting in business meetings, brainstorming and being tasked with assignments. We still have to tell GPT-4 what we need and what to do. 

Yes, it can produce a script or a document, but that is absolutely dependent on the knowledge and expertise of the human using GPT-4. GPT-4’s output is completely influenced by the input it receives. 

GPT-4 isn’t perfect and is still very much learning. Aside from needing to input data, us humans always need to check GPT-4’s output for mistakes and it is in our power to make the ultimate decision about if and how to use GPT-4’s recommendations. 

The human component of getting work done is simply not going away.

How GPT-4 actually enhances one’s role

Having GPT-4 is like getting a booster or having a sidekick. 

Let’s be real, life has been wild since 2020, and that includes our work lives. We’re suffering from change fatigue, burnout, and an unpredictable level of stress. Our brain power and capacity have been tested, if not altered. If ever there was a time for assistance, it’s now. 

Here are 5 scenarios where GPT-4 can be used as a tool, rather than a replacement:

• A/B Testing. Any writer can understand the challenge of coming up with iterations for an A/B test. When writer’s block sets in, GPT-4 can actually be a great sounding board. A fresh perspective and new ideas can be just what’s needed to land on valuable copy. 
• Proofreading. With long-form content, ad copy, video scripts, website pages, and more, steering clear of errors is a way to win. But, we’re only human, and no matter how many times we check our work, errors happen. GPT-4 can be an extra set of eyes when needed.
• Validating code. For developers who spend hours upon hours implementing new code only to find a bug, it can be overwhelming to pinpoint the cause of the bug. GPT-4 can be used as a tool to check one’s work and make sure everything was coded properly. 
• Optimizing sales cadences. Sales representatives work really hard to find leads and nurture them through a complete sales process. Finding creative ways to follow-up with opportunities can be a challenge, especially for sales reps who work with a large volume of potential customers. GPT-4 can be a good brainstorm tool that can ultimately help close more deals.
• Strengthening the interview process. HR orgs are tasked with recruiting and retaining premiere talent. With the job market currently evolving as rapidly as it is, HR professionals may have a hard time identifying the right questions to ask and qualifiers to look for in the hiring process. GPT-4’s ability to draw logical conclusions based on data means that it has a grasp on market trends and can suggest interview questions that will aid in finding and hiring the right talent.

Why business leaders need to embrace AI

Whether the thought of AI makes your heart flutter with excitement or nervousness, one thing remains true: automation is here to stay. More and more companies are investing in automation and new automation tools are constantly being introduced. 

Instead of worrying about whether or not automation and AI tools will replace headcount, business leaders need to focus on what will happen if they fail to support automation. 

Benefits of automation include:

• Increased productivity 
• More efficient processes 
• Cost-savings 
• Time-savings 
• Greater job satisfaction 
• Accessibility for a wider range of people, including those with disabilities

Another emerging benefit of automation is actually the creation of job opportunities. Thanks to widespread adoption of AI and machine learning tools, AI specialist roles are being created. These specialists are trained in using, deploying, and even creating automation tools and are able to adapt an organization’s use of the tools at the same speed that the tools themselves change. 

It’s likely that we’ll see more and more companies hiring AI specialists to ensure their organizations remain nimble and relevant. 

In sum, the question to ask is not, “What’s going to happen to my job?”. Instead, it is “What’s going to happen to my company if I don’t adopt automation?” 

Our advice: learn to use it and love it because automation will continue to influence the way we work.

The post GPT-4: Not a replacement! How AI can enhance our jobs, not eliminate them appeared first on airSlate Blog | Business automation.

But the hard truth is that the pandemic has caused a seismic shift in the way we live and especially in the way we work. 

One lasting way the workforce has been impacted is in an employee’s capacity (or lack thereof) to deal with change. 

Under typical circumstances, change can be difficult. Normally, as humans, we have a built-in reservoir – known as surge capacity – that allows us to deal with short-term change. Because we are dealing with sustained, long-term change, our reservoirs are depleted.

As a result, we are collectively dealing with a concept known as change fatigue. Across organizations of all sizes, employees are feeling increasingly resistant to any company-wide changes. 

In fact, a survey conducted by Capterra last year found that 71% of employees feel overwhelmed by the amount of change at their job.

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With a potential recession looming, employees facing the very real threat of losing their jobs, and an ongoing health crisis, employers cannot afford to ignore the consequences of change fatigue. 

Employee burnout, turnover, and dissatisfaction will continue to increase as organizations continue to make changes. So, is there anything that managers and leaders can do to combat the effects of change fatigue and nurture their employees?

Yes, there is. And the time to act is now.

The 2022 Capterra study also found that 83% of people feel their employers are not doing enough to address change fatigue, which tells us there’s plenty of room for improvement.

Put employees first, always

In this tumultuous time, our human nature is to crave connection and stability. We must take a somewhat psychological approach to all of our interactions, and this is especially true in the workplace. 

Managers must focus not just on their team- and company-wide goals, but also on the people who sit on their team and their individual needs. 

Here are effective ways to be efficient and considerate leaders:

1. Tone down uncertainty where you can

Even the most emotionally stable people have become familiar with a sense of anxiety over the last few years. Change can and will happen rapidly and unexpectedly. We know that now. 

As a manager, you have the opportunity to be a calm and steady leader. The best way to do this is by practicing transparency. As much as possible, be honest with your team and let them know what’s coming up. 

Yes, sometimes this means having uncomfortable, difficult conversations. If lay-offs are imminent, don’t let your valued employees be caught off guard. Be as detailed as possible about what’s coming in the near future. 

If changes are being made to the team – a new manager taking over, a shuffling of roles and responsibilities – communicate this clearly and explain the reason behind the change.

Doing this is a win for everyone’s mental health – it allows your team to turn off their high alert switch. They can take a deep breath, unclench their fists, and relax a bit knowing what to expect.  

2. Show employees they are being invested in

The goal here is to build trust. With a strong sense of trust, there’s room for higher job satisfaction, more loyalty, and increased productivity. 

More than ever, employees want to feel valued and like their role is integral to the success of the company, as opposed to being a disposable cog in the wheel. Because of the pandemic, people are becoming highly selective about who and how they choose to spend their time, and their career is no exception. If an employee is investing their time in you, they want reciprocity. 

What can you do to show that you want your team members around for the long haul? 

• Invest in their career growth; offer training and learning opportunities that’ll help them advance (note that employers should also be investing in their managers and teaching them how to lead through this time)
• Make it easy for your teammates to get the mental health breaks they need – consider perks that align with this such as memberships to a meditation app, yoga classes, flexible hours, and plenty of time off
• Be an advocate for the democratization of technology – adopt tools that your team members can easily implement and empower them to automate routine tasks and spend more time on the work they love 

3. Foster team connection

Especially in a remote environment, employees are feeling less personally connected to their colleagues. With little time for watercooler chats or social activities, employees are less likely to feel a bond with one another. 

Combat this by scheduling regular team breaks. Here are some ideas:

• Meet for 30 minutes a week to have coffee and chat – no work talk allowed 
• Host a trivia night, cooking class, exercise break, or happy hour 
• Start a book club or other common interest group 
• Use Slack or other messenger app to share photos of pets or kids, tell jokes, or swap memes
• Make sure marginalized groups feel seen and heard by encouraging them to meet in a safe space and trade ideas on how to move through the obstacles they commonly face 
• Consider hosting a team-wide diversity and inclusion training where everyone can take part in the mission to create a more equitable workplace 

4. Make yourself available

Whether part of an official HR strategy or a personal decision, make sure your team members have access to you. Schedule time in your calendar for office hours on a weekly or even daily basis and offer your support to any of your team members who may be struggling.

This is a time for you to lead with empathy, really listen to what your team needs, and create a path towards progress. Be an advocate by collecting feedback and presenting it to executive leadership.  Organizations cannot expect to succeed if their people are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. 

Learn how the airSlate suite of automation tools can combat change fatigue and get your team back on a productive, high-morale track.

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