Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a critical role in alleviating challenges and can assist VSBs by providing cost-effective technology solutions that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency. By leveraging the services of MSPs, VSBs can access the resources and support they need to navigate technology complexities and maximize their potential for growth and success.

Very small businesses (VSBs) with fewer than 20 employees make up a staggering 5.2 million companies in the U.S., dwarfing the 500,000 businesses that fall into the traditional “small business” category of 20-99 employees. These VSBs face unique challenges due to their size – challenges managed service providers (MSPs) are uniquely positioned to help them overcome. By understanding and addressing the key pain points of these “Main Street” businesses, MSPs can unlock major opportunities to sell cloud phone systems and unified communications (UC) solutions.

Here are the top VSB struggles and how MSPs can solve them:

Finding the Right Technology at the Right Price

Enterprise-grade technologies that drive growth for larger companies are often out of reach or simply not the right fit for VSBs. Even when VSBs identify the tools they need, tight budgets can make them difficult to acquire. MSPs can leverage their expertise and vendor relationships to play matchmaker – aligning VSBs with best-fit technologies at affordable price points. With their industry know-how, MSPs are VSBs’ greatest ally in maximizing limited IT budgets.

Balancing Technology Investments with Headcount

Having a small staff doesn’t mean VSBs can skimp on the technology needed to stay competitive. Cloud phones and UC, for example, are critical for enabling seamless employee and customer communication to deliver excellent service. MSPs must work closely with VSBs to strategically invest in technologies that will drive the most impact for their workforce size. VSBs need expert guidance to strike the right balance between IT spend and employee utilization.

Appearing Larger Than They Are

VSBs often find themselves needing to prove they can compete with larger rivals despite limited resources. Appearing bigger and more professional is key. Cloud phone features like virtual receptionists, mobile apps, and “find me, follow me” functionality enable VSBs to be instantly accessible to customers, creating the perception of a larger organization. MSPs can help VSBs level the playing field with enterprise-grade tools.

Enabling Work from Anywhere

The ability to work remotely is no longer a nice-to-have for VSBs – it’s a competitive necessity. However, small companies often lack the IT infrastructure to enable secure, reliable remote work. MSPs can empower VSBs’ remote workforces by implementing cloud-based UC and collaboration platforms, along with the security and support needed to maintain productivity from anywhere. Mobility is a must-have for modern VSBs.

With 5.2 million VSBs in the U.S. alone, this segment represents a massive and largely untapped opportunity for MSPs to sell cloud communications. By tailoring their approach to address the unique challenges of VSBs, MSPs can become irreplaceable strategic partners, providing the technologies and expertise these small but mighty companies need to thrive. The VSB market is ripe for the taking – MSPs need only seize the opportunity. D3UC can help. Ask us how.