Advice for doing MSP part-time?

[Giles]

As I am trying to the MSP game, I still need my 8-5 job.

My question is how viable is this to do part-time? I know there will be challenges, like my availability, but I am trying to spin that as I'll be available after hours and weekends.

Has anyone else been successful in MSP while holding down another full-time job?

I'd love to hear your story whether it was a success or not.

 

[dgoglio]

It won't work part-time. You need to be available during normal business hours. You may be available after hours but normal hours are 100x more important. Out of our dozens of managed clients I have two that want anything after hours... and we haven't heard a peep from them after hours in over two years. You may be able to get a few clients with low ball rates or something (which is not good!) But the first time **** hits the fan and you aren't able to address it immediately they will probably drop you.

 

[Mike McCall]

The only way something like that might work is for a handful of residential clients. For any business you need to be available 24/7.

 

[nerd2u]

When a business has a problem they want you there 5 minutes ago.

They don't want to wait for you to finish your job to attend to their issues.

May work if you could find some overseas customers in a different time zone.

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[Giles]

It won't work part-time. You need to be available during normal business hours. You may be available after hours but normal hours are 100x more important. Out of our dozens of managed clients I have two that want anything after hours... and we haven't heard a peep from them after hours in over two years. You may be able to get a few clients with low ball rates or something (which is not good!) But the first time **** hits the fan and you aren't able to address it immediately they will probably drop you.

Fair point. It's not to say I have zero availability during the day. I have lunch breaks, I can chat, email, text, or call. And fortunately, my work schedule is flexible so if I needed off during the day, I could make up for it another day or later that evening.

 

[Giles]

When a business has a problem they want you there 5 minutes ago.

They don't want to wait for you to finish your job to attend to their issues.

May work if you could find some overseas customers in a different time zone.

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Point taken. I know it'll take some coordination and probably some pain points, but IMO it's worth trying.

 

[Giles]

My goal for the next six months is to on-board at least one more MSP client and see how it goes from there.

 

[Markverhyden]

Not all customers need or want it fixed yesterday. I've got one customer whose thrilled if I can get in with in 2-3 days to address an issue. So the most important thing is to properly set expectations. When you talk to them push your strengths but also make it clear what type of time constraints you have. And make sure to have a solid, reliable method for remoting in.

 

[Giles]

Not all customers need or want it fixed yesterday. I've got one customer whose thrilled if I can get in with in 2-3 days to address an issue. So the most important thing is to properly set expectations. When you talk to them push your strengths but also make it clear what type of time constraints you have. And make sure to have a solid, reliable method for remoting in.

Thanks for the feedback. My current client is totally fine with me coming back after 5 or even on a Saturday. I used to visit them on Thursdays during the day (when I had that day off), but when I switched main jobs, they were more than fine to retain me with the limited hours. I know that not all customers will be like that, but if I can get a few more that may open the door to doing this full-time.

Speaking of remote solutions, do you have any recommendations?

 

[Markverhyden]

Speaking of remote solutions, do you have any recommendations?

My main point is don't try to limp along with "free" stuff like TV. They'll wise up after a few connections, usually at the worst time. I signed up for Splashtop several years ago, grandfathered in for $100/year. But it's not a persistent connection. Need a new code upon reboot or logging off and on again. My personal preference is to setup a VPN gateway at the customer site. No third party servers. Synology has one as well as Ubiquiti edge devices. That way I can just use RDP or Screen Sharing plus have access to everything. Including multiple machines at once.

 

[callthatgirl]

I'd work on msp for residential for now, manage all the expectations and enjoy the money

 

[Your PCMD]

I'd work on msp for residential for now, manage all the expectations and enjoy the money

I can count on no hands how many residential customers I have and how many I want.

Residential are too needy, too complaining and too prone to blaming an issue on something you did.

MSP is NOT a part-time gig. How long do you think your employer will let you get away with shuffling your bread & butter job for something your doing "on the side"?

 

[Giles]

I can count on no hands how many residential customers I have and how many I want.

Residential are too needy, too complaining and too prone to blaming an issue on something you did.

MSP is NOT a part-time gig. How long do you think your employer will let you get away with shuffling your bread & butter job for something your doing "on the side"?

Maybe we have different interpretations of MSP, but I have had a part-time MSP client for four years. I'm a one man shop right, and don't have the capacity beyond a couple more customers -- but that's all I need now.

It does not interfere with my job at all. We are allowed breaks and personal time during the day. So instead of playing games or watching Youtube, I work on my Website. If I need to visit onsite, I can do that during my lunch break.

 

[Giles]

I'd work on msp for residential for now, manage all the expectations and enjoy the money

I envision some type of hybrid residential and business client base. I'm in a pretty small town, so we may not be comparing apples to apples.

 

[callthatgirl]

Res MSP is great for FT workers, manage expectations and you should be fine. Be firm and don't bend your own rules so you don't go crazy.

 

[RetiredGuy1000]

Im reading "MSP in 30 days" by a Paluchak I believe. Great book.

 

[nerd2u]

Im reading "MSP in 30 days" by a Paluchak I believe. Great book.

It's a good book just take it with a grain of salt

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[Archon Prime]

I disagree that you can't do MSP part time. I am and have been for years. Business clients understand my support hours and wouldn't sign up if they couldn't. They know they can contact me during the day and I'll get back to them asap. Just ensure that when you setup your SLA with them, they are aware of the support hours. It might be a deal breaker for some.. but I don't have any issues.

 

[Giles]

Res MSP is great for FT workers, manage expectations and you should be fine. Be firm and don't bend your own rules so you don't go crazy.

Interesting. Didn't think there'd be big market for residential MSP. I need to learn more...

 

[Giles]

Im reading "MSP in 30 days" by a Paluchak I believe. Great book.

Nice, I'll take a look. Trying to learn all I can right now.