Three Significant Takeaways from DattoCon 2019
VAR Staffing flew to San Diego to spend the week with some of our partners and industry peers at one of the largest MSP centric events of the year – DattoCon.
We had a very full week networking, meeting new faces AND engaging with existing partners at our booth in the exhibit hall (where we hosted a double-deck blackjack tournament – congratulations to Rob Marsden of Addictive Technology for the win), and attending thought provoking breakout sessions. Here are our three key takeaways from #DattoCon19:
- Our industry is growing – FAST. As CRN recapped from Datto CEO Tim Weller’s keynote, IT spending by SMBs worldwide is around $100 billion annually and growing 25% a year. This means that more than ever, SMBs are recognizing that they need help utilizing technology to better serve their business’ needs and growth. And they are turning to managed service providers to enable those needs.
- MSPs must learn how to differentiate themselves. Reese Ormand, CEO of Techvera, led a session on marketing hacks for MSPs. With the industry growing more crowded and an influx of private equity dollars that will consolidate larger MSPs, it is peril to learn how to market your services to the right cliental. Become the technology experts in your community and stand out from the pack.
- The M&A landscape is complex. Jim Turner, CEO of Hilltop Consultants, participated in a panel focused around the challenges that business owners face when looking to buy or sell their MSP. There are multiple options for acquisition or exit and finding the best resources can be confusing. The channel has some very sophisticated buyers, sellers and aggregators so do your research and ask questions.
A FINAL thought:
With a rapidly growing industry, there is an increasing focus to invest in your company, become more strategic with your sales and marketing processes and differentiate your business from those of your competitors. Consider your staff to be one of your largest assets for investment. Key staff can aid in setting your company apart from others and fueling your strategy for growth. If you’d like to talk through options for adding new staff members to your team, please reach out to the VAR Staffing team here.
We are already getting excited for DattoCon20 in Atlanta…just 348 days from now!
