MSPs Must Lead SMB Clients Through the Productivity Revolution

Navigating the Productivity Revolution: The Pivotal Role of MSPs in Elevating SMBs

Introduction: Embracing a New Era of Productivity

We stand at the threshold of a remarkable era in human productivity, unprecedented in history. The forthcoming productivity revolution, fueled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), promises to catapult our capabilities to astounding new levels. The groundwork for this transformation has been laid over the past quarter-century with the development of the internet, the creation of numerous digital tools and services, and the accumulation of vast data sets. As we look forward to the next 25 years, this rich data infrastructure is poised to drive us towards revolutionary heights.

The Digital Foundations: Building Blocks of the New Productivity Age

In this emerging age, cloud-based infrastructures and Software as a Service (SaaS) models are crucial. They offer the agility of rapid updates and improvements, continuously endowing users with novel features and benefits. Platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have become ubiquitous, providing billions of users with powerful productivity tools. Similarly, Salesforce, Netsuite, and QuickBooks Online offer sophisticated software solutions accessible from anywhere via a browser. This digital evolution is a far cry from the network and software environments of the 1990s and early 2000s, marking a significant transformation.

Maximizing Digital Potential: Safety, Security, and Productivity

The central challenge now is to harness this digital power effectively and securely. With every advancement in digital resources, the threat from cybercriminals escalates. To truly capitalize on this productivity revolution, it's imperative that we, as users and employees, are adept at utilizing these innovative tools in a manner that maximizes their return on investment (ROI) while maintaining security.

The impending integration of AI into these tools, with standalone systems like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Bard, and others, adds another layer of productivity potential. The real value, however, lies in embedding AI within various tools and software services.

Educational Imperative: Training for Transformational Productivity

The crux of leveraging these transformative productivity tools lies in education. Training employees has never been more crucial. As we integrate more sophisticated productivity tools, the need for employees to understand and effectively use these tools becomes paramount. The analogy of Superman learning to fly is apt - even the most powerful tools require skill and knowledge to be used effectively.

MSPs at the Forefront: Leading SMBs into a New Productive Era

Managed Service Providers (MSPs), who predominantly cater to small and midsize businesses (SMBs), are ideally positioned to lead this charge. Considering that around 46% of the workforce is employed by SMBs, the next productivity revolution is likely to be driven by these entities. However, this can only be achieved if SMB employees are adequately trained in utilizing new productivity tools.

MSPs must step up to provide services that educate employees on how to use these tools securely and efficiently. This involves ongoing training that not only explains new features and productivity tips but also integrates cybersecurity education tailored to each specific tool, making the learning process engaging and relevant.

Redefining Training: Adapting to Modern Learning Styles

Historically, SMBs have lagged behind their larger counterparts in employee training, often viewing it as a secondary priority with questionable ROI. However, the emergence of a constantly connected workforce necessitates a new approach to training. The era of long classroom sessions is fading, giving way to micro-learning styles akin to TikTok and Reels. This new breed of training must focus on short, relevant, and continuous learning, delivered in easily digestible formats such as 30-60 second micro-learning videos that focus on specific functions or features.

Integrating Cybersecurity: A Core Component of Modern Training

Moreover, cybersecurity training cannot remain isolated. It must be interwoven into all aspects of productivity training, ensuring it becomes an integral part of the learning process. This integration is vital, as MSPs often observe through help desk tickets that many employees lack basic knowledge of platforms like Microsoft 365, struggling even with fundamental features.

Conclusion: MSPs as Catalysts of the Productivity Revolution

MSPs are set to play a transformative role, evolving to become messengers of productivity and cybersecurity for SMB clients. By engaging business owners on the value of productivity and cybersecurity, MSPs can significantly impact the efficiency and success of businesses. The productivity revolution is indeed upon us, and its realization hinges on MSPs leading their SMB clients to new heights of productivity.

Reflection: The Role of MSPs in the Productivity Revolution

This begs the question: Do you believe that MSPs will play a significant role in this impending productivity revolution? Their position at the nexus of technology, training, and small business support places them in a unique position to effect substantial change.