Here at D3UC, we talk to a lot of MSPs who are struggling to win customers for voice services because they think they can’t beat competitors’ bids. Yet when we review the proposals from those competing companies, we notice their exclusion of discretionary and mandatory fees. If you include those charges in the proposals, it raises their “proposal” rate by as much as 60%. The unfortunate truth is that cable and phone companies have disguised many details about their actual rates for decades. … [Read more...]
The Right Tool for the Right Job: Picking the Right Phone System
The notion of picking a phone system is a good news / bad news combination for managed service providers (MSPs). While there are plenty of options to accommodate diverse use cases for small and medium businesses (SMBs), it can make finding the “right” system daunting. So, before you set out to determine the best phone system for your potential customers, here are some factors to keep in mind. Considerations for Picking the Right Phone System for a Customer As the lifeline of a business, … [Read more...]
The Business of Being an MSP: A Changing Environment Requires New Solutions
If there's one thing we know about technology by now, it's that it's constantly changing, whether we like it or not. Just ask the surprisingly large segment of the population who wishes Windows XP or Windows 7 was still the standard. It’s a reality that we can't keep our favorite operating systems running forever, just like we cannot ignore all the changes technology brings to every aspect of our businesses. Managed service providers (MSPs), in particular, have a challenging job with keeping up … [Read more...]
Selling a Cloud Phone System: White Labeling Helps Secure Recurring Revenue
The phrase "recurring revenue" is a holy grail pursued by companies in every industry, whether you’re an insurance agent, dividend investor, or a managed service provider (MSP). Finding ways to earn recurring revenue isn’t easy, but it’s become increasingly vital to most businesses. A sale with recurring revenue is the "gift that keeps on giving" for months, even years. In the case of white labeling—selling a cloud phone system under your brand— tapping into recurring revenue is usually simple … [Read more...]
How MSPs Can Drive Cloud Phone Migration
Managed service providers (MSPs), especially if they're astute, are often looking for new services to offer to help distinguish themselves from competitors and hold on to their existing market share. Cloud phone migration is one such way, thanks to the fact that it introduces a valuable new service to companies who know it exists but may be hesitant to adopt it. For MSPs serving the SMB market, cloud-based phone with unified communications services is an excellent opportunity to create a client … [Read more...]
Why is Voice a Low-Maintenance, High-Profit Avenue For More Revenue?
It’s never been easier — or more lucrative — to start selling voice solutions. For MSPs interested in growing their business, cash flow can pose a serious issue. One avenue many providers overlook is voice service, which offers a low-maintenance, high-profit means to an end. Just Set It and Forget It In most cases, MSPs have great relationships with their customers and are already familiar with the infrastructure at their respective sites. Adding voice services to your offerings makes … [Read more...]
Never Sold a Voice Service Before? Here’s What You Need to Know.
If you’re considering selling voice, overcome inner objections with this invaluable advice. In the modern workplace, voice solutions are a must for enterprises of all sizes. Over the years we’ve heard lots of stories related to selling voice services, and most of them sound like the plot of a horror show! Fortunately, there’s a simple way for MSPs to provide top-tier voice solutions – without the recurring nightmares. When most MSPs consider selling voice services, fear often prevents them … [Read more...]
Debunking 5 Myths About Becoming a Phone Company
Despite what MSPs have heard, it’s not complicated and can be very profitable. When you send an email to someone, you probably don’t care whether it arrives in the recipient's inbox in 1 second or 3 seconds, so long as it gets there intact. But sending voice over the internet is an entirely different beast. VoIP packets are extremely sensitive, and if something delays them, call quality is affected and the end-user will notice. That’s why many MSPs think twice about offering VoIP. They’re … [Read more...]
Top 5 Misconceptions About the FCC and Telecom
Between the FCC, USAC, and remitting telecom taxes, owners of small MSPs are unnecessarily afraid of the unknown. The telecommunication services industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that carries mission-critical components of nearly every company in the country. Due to the vital nature of these services to the economy, expansive laws have been established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate telephone, television, and radio communications. Not surprisingly, this … [Read more...]
Making a Business Case for Unified Communications
A day in the life of a small business owner with a staff of less than 20 differs significantly than the owner of a larger company. With fewer resources, small business owners often find themselves wearing many hats including handling many of the day-to-day administrative tasks. Regardless, they still need to find ways to communicate with their customers and employees no matter where they are – work, home, or on the road. This is where the sharp managed service provider (MSP) can step in and … [Read more...]