As an experienced MSP, you know that the cloud plays an increasingly important role in businesses’ growth and expansion today. After all, in 2021, cloud spending is projected to reach unprecedented peaks worldwide. With such high demand for cloud computing services, the chances are that your team is prepared to help clients make a seamless transition to the cloud.
However, in making this change, are you making the mistake of treating clients’ cloud strategies and business strategies as entirely separate entities? The cloud is a crucial part of your customers’ future business plans — and should be treated as such. Check out our 5 essential steps to making the cloud an integral part of your clients’ business strategies going forward.
Step 1: Goal-Setting
The first step to creating a cloud-inclusive business plan for your clients is prioritizing goal-setting. Ask your clients about their 1-year, 3-year or even 5-year plans. What objectives would they like to have achieved at each of these milestones? If you know that your clients will be working remotely for the next year, suggest adjustments to improve their day-to-day operations. Increasing bandwidth and reinforcing cybersecurity measures are a few ways to ensure that your clients optimize their future experiences using cloud services.
Step 2: Factor In Risk Management Strategies
The next step to ensuring that cloud services integrate seamlessly into your clients’ business plans is to factor in risk management. To help clients manage cloud service deployment ahead of time, help them establish an exit strategy before accepting new projects. This will make sure that their cloud services aren’t overextended and that they can maintain a healthy balance in their day-to-day operations on the cloud.
Step 3: Personalize Clients’ Transitions to the Cloud
Yet another helpful strategy is customizing clients’ cloud services to their specific needs. Not only will this help eliminate any unnecessary costs, but it will also make the switch to the cloud a breeze for everyone involved. For example, consider the following questions:
● Should all of your clients’ applications be automatically moved to the cloud?
● Will certain applications need to be rebuilt or rehosted elsewhere?
By asking these critical questions, you can help your clients avoid an unpleasant transition to the cloud.
Step 4: Consider the Costs
Next, make sure that you and your clients are on the same page about finances. Are they hoping to reduce their IT budget by switching to the cloud, or are they prepared to make a significant investment? Help clients understand that while cloud services are a short-term expense, they will facilitate operations for years to come.
Step 5: Prep Your Clients’ IT Teams
Last but not least, take steps to prepare your clients’ IT departments for the switch to the cloud. They may require training to adjust to their new responsibilities, which is entirely normal. Although getting used to the cloud can take some time, MSPs like you can provide valuable guidance to make the switch a successful one.
Optimize Your Clients’ Cloud Services With Cloud Services for MSPs
One of the best ways to guarantee that your clients experience a smooth transition to the cloud is to partner with an experienced cloud services provider. Cloud Services for MSPs has been providing superb cloud services to MSPs just like you for over 35 years. Learn more about our cloud services by calling (866) 883-8836, or fill out our quick contact form today.