EP206 – How to Recruit for Free with Josh Wood & Ian Luckett
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Release Date: 11/08/2024
IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
But is that really the end of the road, or is there something you can do to keep that client, maintain profitability, and avoid unnecessary churn? In this episode of the IT Experts Podcast, I sat down with our resident finance coach, Clare Elliott, to explore what MSPs can do when faced with clients who are reconsidering their contracts. Clare works with MSPs every day inside the Growth Hub, helping business owners understand their numbers, optimise their pricing, and make better financial decisions. One of the key takeaways from our conversation is that if a client calls you to say...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
I’m joined by fellow MSP Growth Hub coaches Stuart Warwick, Julie Hutchison, and Clare Elliott, as we reflect on the key takeaways from our January 2025 two-day intensive. These intensives are the cornerstone of the MSP Growth Hub’s Scale with Confidence model, bringing together MSP owners and leaders to reflect, reset, and refocus on their business growth. The January event was centred around the theme of ‘Harnessing Ambition’—not just setting strategic goals but ensuring they are cascaded throughout the entire organisation. This is where business owners can make real...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Many MSPs start with a handful of technical people, then bolt on account management, sales, marketing, and operations as they grow. But without a clearly defined structure, this approach can create inefficiencies, miscommunication, and stalled growth. That’s why we brought in Alison Whitfield from Cultivate People Services, a people and culture expert with a wealth of experience working with MSPs. Together, we unpack the essential components of structuring an MSP for growth, leadership development, and team alignment. Alison shares her perspective on why structure is so much more...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
As business owners, we often pride ourselves on pushing forward, solving problems, and keeping things moving. But what happens when we don’t stop to reflect? What are the hidden risks of ploughing ahead without taking a moment to reassess our strategy, our goals, and even our own leadership? Stuart and I unpack exactly that in today’s conversation, and trust me, if you’re an MSP looking to scale, this is something you don’t want to ignore. We all know the feeling of getting caught up in the day-to-day operations—whether it's handling client issues, managing your team, or...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
Now, if you've ever been in the frustrating position of recruiting someone you thought was perfect for the job, only to find out they’re not the right fit at all, you’re not alone. This happens more often than you might think, and in today’s episode, we uncover exactly why MSPs keep attracting the wrong people—and more importantly, how to stop it from happening. Julie shares a story from a recent conversation with an MSP owner who was struggling to find the right person for their team. They needed someone dynamic, open to change, and capable of taking the business forward. But...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
For those who aren’t familiar, B Corp is essentially a certification that demonstrates a company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. It’s often described as the gold standard for ethical business practices, ensuring that organisations consider the impact of their decisions on employees, customers, suppliers, the community, and the planet. It’s about running a business with integrity and proving that you’re doing the right thing—not just saying you are. Gildas explained that he’s always been passionate about running a business with strong values,...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation is that when clients say an MSP is “too expensive,” what they actually mean is that they don’t see the value in the service. This is a massive problem in the industry. MSPs often assume that if tickets are low and complaints are minimal, everything is running smoothly. But in reality, service delivery is about so much more than just fixing issues. It’s about building relationships, setting clear expectations, and continuously improving processes to meet client needs. Michelle Coombs quickly pointed out that the traditional...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
One of the biggest challenges we see in the MSP space is that many business owners started their journey as technical experts. They didn’t necessarily set out to run a business – they just knew they were great at what they did and wanted to do it better than the company they worked for. The problem? Running a business requires a completely different skill set to just doing the technical work. At some point, every MSP owner reaches that moment where they realise they can’t do it all themselves. But that realisation often comes with frustration—because even when they bring in a team,...
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
info_outlineIT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett
We began by addressing a common stigma: why so many MSPs avoid Apple devices despite their undeniable popularity and premium quality. Ben highlighted that while many MSPs are deeply rooted in the Microsoft ecosystem—largely due to its strong channel support and financial incentives—Apple has been quietly making significant inroads into the business world. In fact, as Ben pointed out, companies like IBM and Cisco have embraced Apple devices, with up to 60% of their employees choosing Apple when given the option. This trend is a clear indication that Apple is no longer just for creatives...
info_outlineOur 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 requires MSPs to sell not only the role but also their culture and work environment. An effective job advert, according to Josh, is not merely a list of required skills; it’s an opportunity to communicate the unique qualities of your MSP and why it’s a great place to work. This simple but often overlooked detail can make all the difference in attracting the right candidates, especially if you can convey the potential for career progression and the supportive, dynamic atmosphere within your MSP.
A significant part of the discussion centres around the value of using free advertising options effectively. Job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor can be valuable resources, but Josh cautions against simply copying and pasting job descriptions without thought. He advises MSPs to craft engaging, well-written adverts that highlight what’s appealing about working for their business, from the types of clients they work with to the opportunities for professional growth within the MSP. To avoid being swamped by unqualified applicants, Josh suggests using screening questions on job boards that encourage candidates to provide more than a yes-or-no response, allowing you to quickly gauge their enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
We also explore the benefits of using your website and social media as free recruitment tools. Josh points out that MSPs often overlook the value of advertising open roles directly on their website, which not only attracts candidates but also demonstrates to clients that the MSP is growing and investing in its future. Additionally, Josh emphasises the importance of using social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your MSP’s culture. Posting about company events, employee achievements, and team-building activities provides potential candidates with a glimpse into life at your MSP and can be a powerful way to attract people who align with your company values. LinkedIn, originally created as a recruitment platform, remains a crucial space for MSPs to build their brand and engage with potential recruits.
Once candidates start applying, having a structured interview process becomes essential. Josh and I agree that a structured interview ensures consistency and makes it easier to assess candidates against the skills and qualities you need. Josh advises having a well-defined process that includes a mix of technical and aptitude-based questions to help you understand the candidate’s diagnostic skills and approach to problem-solving, which are crucial for roles in MSPs. Another helpful tip is to ask candidates about their proudest achievements and challenges they’ve faced, as this can reveal how they may perform under the demands of an MSP environment. As Josh explains, the goal is not to trip candidates up but rather to understand their strengths and gauge whether they’d thrive in the role.
As we discuss interview techniques, we touch on the importance of selling your MSP to the candidate during the interview. In today’s competitive market, candidates are evaluating potential employers just as much as they are being evaluated themselves. By sharing your MSP’s vision, the benefits of working with your team, and how you support employee growth, you leave candidates with a positive impression and a better sense of what your MSP can offer them in the long run. This episode provides several steps that MSPs can implement to improve their recruitment process without incurring additional costs. From leveraging social media to carefully structuring interviews, these strategies not only help MSPs recruit more effectively but also enhance the overall perception of their brand.
Now that you know how to recruit for free, listen on to Episode 164, You’ve Found the Right Candidate… Now What? with Meg Fenney, where we dive into onboarding strategies and how to nurture your new hires once they’ve joined your team. This episode complements today’s discussion by helping you make the most out of the talented individuals you bring into your MSP.
You can reach out to Josh Wood through his LinkedIn profile HERE or you can also email him at [email protected]
Check out Beaumont IT through their website HERE.
For full details of our Business Blueprint Workshop on Tuesday 3rd December, click HERE.
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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Until next time, look after yourself and I’ll catch up with you soon!