EP194 – Ask Stuart #16 - Taking Back Control of Your Week with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Release Date: 08/02/2024
EP215 - How to Optimise Relationship and Revenue So Everyone Wins with Luis Giraldo & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Luis brings a wealth of experience from his time in the trenches as an MSP owner, and now as someone who works closely with MSPs worldwide. His approach challenges traditional thinking, offering a fresh perspective on what it truly means to partner with your clients. This isn’t just about delivering excellent customer service—it’s about creating meaningful, strategic relationships that foster long-term loyalty and, of course, consistent revenue. One of the standout points from our conversation was Luis's perspective on customer service. He argued that what many MSPs consider...
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EP214 - How to Leverage LinkedIn In 2025 with Sam Rathling & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
We kicked things off by addressing the ever-present mystery surrounding the LinkedIn algorithm. Sam’s straightforward advice? Stop blaming the algorithm for poor results. She explained that if your content isn’t resonating or your impressions are dropping, the issue likely lies with the content itself. Whether people are scrolling LinkedIn out of boredom or to sell something, your job is to create compelling, scroll-stopping content that connects with your audience on a human level. Sam emphasised the importance of moving beyond dull, uninspired posts and highlighted the need to produce...
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EP213 - Happy New Year 2025 with Stuart Warwick & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
We kicked off the episode with a bit of festive banter about Christmas indulgences, proving that even between the mince pies and wine, we’re committed to helping you move your business forward. Stuart, ever the reflective one, shared his highlights of the year, starting with the remarkable growth of the MSP Growth Hub community. With nearly 50 MSPs now on board, the energy, vulnerability, and results in the room have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s a testament to the power of shared ambition and the results that come when business owners start thinking differently about their...
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EP212 - A 2024 Podcast Year in Review with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
It’s been a busy year for Stuart and me, and we kick off the episode with some festive banter, steering clear of any Mariah Carey renditions—thankfully! Stuart reflects on how much we’ve achieved and the importance of this reflective time of year. Together, we unpack what made these five episodes so impactful and why they’ve captured the attention of our audience. Coming in at number five, we discuss with the brilliant Claire Jenks, titled “.” This episode tackled time management, productivity, and overcoming imposter syndrome—common themes that MSPs wrestle with daily....
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EP211 - Why People Don’t Take Action When They Should with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Julie Hutchison kicks off by addressing what many of us know as "imposter syndrome," though she’s quick to debunk the term. It’s not a syndrome, she explains; you’re not broken. Instead, it’s a very human response that stems from our brain’s primitive mechanisms for survival. Drawing on the analogy of a caveman running from a lion, Julie highlights how our amygdala – a small but powerful part of our brain – is constantly scanning for threats. While this helped keep our ancestors alive, today it manifests in ways that can hold us back, like procrastination, perfectionism, or a...
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EP210 – How to Close Deals by Solving Problems with Mark Lambert & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Mark Lambert shared practical insights into why selling the tech alone won’t cut it in today’s market. Instead, he stresses the importance of focusing on outcomes that matter to your prospects, such as improving productivity, enhancing security, and solving tangible business challenges. As Mark explains, clients don’t care whether you’re using Office 365 or the latest security stack; they care about how you’ll help their business thrive. This shift from a tech-focused to a problem-solving mindset is critical for any MSP aiming to scale sustainably. We also discussed the...
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EP209 – How to Create Scroll Stopping Content with Nigel Moore from the Tech Tribe & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
One of the key takeaways from this conversation is understanding why MSPs find content creation so difficult in the first place. Nigel pointed out that many MSP owners are simply stretched too thin. Whether they’re managing cybersecurity threats, fielding client calls, or running the day-to-day operations of their business, creating content often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Add to that the natural tendency for MSP owners—many of whom identify as introverted “techies”—to shy away from putting themselves out there, and it’s no wonder content creation can feel like an...
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EP208 – Are You Self-Sabotaging? with Teresa Heath-Wareing & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Teresa Heath-Wareing introduces us to a crucial understanding of how self-sabotage works, explaining that many of us fall into patterns that keep us comfortable but ultimately hinder our growth. Self-sabotaging behaviours often stem from a place of fear—whether it's fear of failure, fear of judgment, or even fear of success. When we’re stepping into new or uncomfortable situations, our brain can see these as potential threats, activating a “protection mode” that drives us back to our comfort zones. Teresa highlights that self-sabotage isn’t about laziness or lack of ambition;...
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EP207 – Why You Need Dark Web Monitoring in Your MSP with Tony Capewell & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
We kicked off with a straightforward explanation of what the dark web actually is. Tony clarified the distinctions between the open web (the visible internet we all use daily), the deep web (pages that aren’t indexed by search engines and require authentication, like online banking portals), and the dark web. The dark web is a hidden section of the internet that’s intentionally obscured and often requires specific software, like Tor, to access. While it’s not exclusively for criminal activity, the dark web is a hub for illegal activities, data trading, and stolen...
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EP206 – How to Recruit for Free with Josh Wood & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Our conversation opens with Josh explaining why so many MSPs find recruitment such a challenging task. He points out that MSPs often carry a reputation for intense, fast-paced environments that might deter potential candidates who are looking for a better work-life balance. This, coupled with the industry's persistent skills shortage, makes recruitment even more complex for MSPs. Josh goes on to share insights on what MSPs can do to tackle these obstacles head-on, starting with how they present themselves to potential recruits. He notes that recruitment in many ways mirrors marketing, as it...
info_outlineStuart started by setting the scene with a fundamental truth: time is our only finite resource. Whether you're scaling your MSP to that first £1,000,000 milestone or pushing towards the £5,000,000 mark, the effective management of your time can be a game-changer. Stuart reminded us that the key to making a significant impact is to be intentional with our time. Without deliberate planning, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle where every day feels like Groundhog Day – a bit better or worse, but fundamentally the same, with little progress towards your long-term goals.
One of the major takeaways from our discussion was the concept of being deliberate about planning. Stuart emphasised the importance of starting with a big-picture view – planning for the year, then breaking it down into quarters, months, weeks, and finally, days. This backward planning ensures that each day’s activities align with your larger goals. It’s about chunking down those big annual plans into manageable daily tasks.
Stuart highlighted the need for a "default diary" – a pre-planned schedule that prioritises both personal and professional commitments. He suggested starting with your non-negotiables, like holidays and key meetings, and then fitting in your work around these fixed points. By doing so, you ensure that critical personal time is protected, and you can better allocate your remaining hours to productive activities. This practice not only helps in maintaining a work-life balance but also ensures that your professional time is used effectively.
The conversation also touched on the importance of carving out specific times for different types of work. Stuart suggested dividing your week into blocks dedicated to directional activities, thinking and strategy, and routine admin tasks. By setting aside focused time for high-impact projects, you can make significant progress without getting bogged down by daily operational distractions. This approach is particularly beneficial for MSP owners transitioning from doing everything themselves to managing and eventually directing their teams.
A recurring theme in our chat was the need to reduce interruptions and maintain focus. Stuart provided practical tips, such as working from home or a different location to avoid office distractions. If working remotely isn’t an option, he recommended setting clear boundaries in the office. For instance, using visual cues like a closed door to signal you’re not to be disturbed can be very effective. Training your team to respect these signals and scheduling regular times when you’re available for questions can help in managing interruptions without losing control of your schedule.
Stuart and I also discussed the psychological impact of small wins. By focusing on three key tasks each day, MSP owners can create a sense of accomplishment and momentum. These tasks should be significant enough to move the needle but not so overwhelming that they feel insurmountable. This strategy helps in breaking down larger projects into manageable pieces, making it easier to maintain focus and achieve consistent progress.
In conclusion, taking back control of your week involves a blend of strategic planning, disciplined execution, and the ability to set and maintain boundaries. Stuart’s insights are a reminder that with intentionality and deliberate action, MSP owners can transform how they manage their time and, as a result, their businesses.
Remember that making these changes won't happen overnight. Start small, build habits, and gradually reclaim your time.
And when you’re ready to take the next step in growing your MSP, come and take the Scale with Confidence MSP Mastery Quiz. In just three minutes, you’ll get a 360-degree scan of your MSP and identify the one or two tactics that could help you find more time, engage & align your people and generate more leads.
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To join our amazing Facebook Group of over 400 MSPs where we are helping you Scale Up with Confidence, then click HERE
Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!