loader from loading.io

EP217 - Grow your MSP with Apple…Or Get Left Behind with Ben Greiner & Ian Luckett

IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett

Release Date: 01/24/2025

EP226 – What To Do When Your Clients Say They Can’t Afford You Anymore with Clare Elliott & Ian Luckett show art EP226 – What To Do When Your Clients Say They Can’t Afford You Anymore with Clare Elliott & Ian Luckett

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_outline
EP225 – Inside the MSP Growth Hub – January 2025 Intensive Round Up with Stuart Warwick, Clare Elliott, Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett  show art EP225 – Inside the MSP Growth Hub – January 2025 Intensive Round Up with Stuart Warwick, Clare Elliott, Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP224 – What’s the Perfect Structure for an MSP? with Alison Whitfield & Ian Luckett show art EP224 – What’s the Perfect Structure for an MSP? with Alison Whitfield & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP223 – Ask Stuart #18 - The Consequence of Not Stopping! And Taking Stock with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick show art EP223 – Ask Stuart #18 - The Consequence of Not Stopping! And Taking Stock with Ian Luckett & Stuart Warwick

IT 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_outline
EP222 – STOP Attracting the Wrong People to Your MSP with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett show art EP222 – STOP Attracting the Wrong People to Your MSP with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP221 – Becoming B Corp… And the Difference It Made To My Business - Success Stories with Gildas Jones & Ian Luckett show art EP221 – Becoming B Corp… And the Difference It Made To My Business - Success Stories with Gildas Jones & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP220 – Improving Service Delivery in your MSP with Michelle Coombs & Ian Luckett show art EP220 – Improving Service Delivery in your MSP with Michelle Coombs & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP219 – Want to Grow Your Business?... Then Leverage Your Team with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett  show art EP219 – Want to Grow Your Business?... Then Leverage Your Team with Julie Hutchison & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
EP218 – How to Prospect on LinkedIn with Sam Rathling and Ian Luckett  show art EP218 – How to Prospect on LinkedIn with Sam Rathling and Ian Luckett

IT Experts Podcast with Ian Luckett

info_outline
EP217 - Grow your MSP with Apple…Or Get Left Behind with Ben Greiner & Ian Luckett show art EP217 - Grow your MSP with Apple…Or Get Left Behind with Ben Greiner & Ian Luckett

IT 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_outline
 
More Episodes

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 or niche markets; it’s becoming a mainstream choice for professionals across industries. 

One of the key takeaways from Ben’s insights is that MSPs need to shift their mindset. Supporting Apple isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s a cultural shift. Apple devices require a different approach, both technically and operationally. Unlike the Windows ecosystem, where tools like Active Directory dominate, Apple relies on solutions like Apple Business Manager and Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms. Ben emphasised that tools like Addigy, which he represents, are purpose-built for managing Apple devices and can provide MSPs with the support and guidance needed to navigate this shift. 

We also discussed the perception that Apple devices are “too expensive.” Ben countered this by sharing compelling data from his experiences and from industry leaders like Fletcher Previn, formerly of IBM. While Apple devices may have a higher upfront cost, their long-term value—including durability, user satisfaction, and reduced downtime—makes them a sound investment. For MSPs, this is an opportunity to educate clients on the total cost of ownership and the enhanced experience Apple can deliver. 

Ben also addressed the hesitancy some MSPs feel when considering Apple. He acknowledged that Apple’s lack of engagement with the channel has made it harder for MSPs to feel confident about diving into the Apple ecosystem. However, he sees this as an opportunity rather than a limitation. By committing to building expertise with Apple, MSPs can differentiate themselves in the market, offering a premium service that competitors might shy away from. For those just starting, Ben suggested partnering with Apple-focused providers or leveraging resources like Addigy’s MSP programmes to gain confidence and expertise. 

One of the most thought-provoking parts of our conversation was the long-term outlook. Ben painted a vivid picture of a future where Apple devices could become just as prevalent in the workplace as Windows machines. MSPs who take the time to embrace Apple now will be well-positioned to capitalise on this shift, while those who ignore it may find themselves playing catch-up. He also noted that the demand for Apple in business environments is often hidden; many MSPs underestimate the number of Apple devices already in their clients’ ecosystems. A simple inventory check or conversation with clients could reveal untapped opportunities. 

Security and compliance were another critical topic. Ben reminded us that ignoring Apple devices isn’t just a missed business opportunity; it’s a potential liability. In today’s world, where security threats don’t discriminate by platform, ensuring all devices in an organisation—Apple included—are properly managed and secured is non-negotiable. Clients expect comprehensive protection, and failing to address Apple devices could lead to reputational and operational risks. 

To wrap up, Ben shared his advice for MSPs ready to take the leap into the Apple ecosystem. Start small, build confidence, and don’t be afraid to partner with experts. He also stressed the importance of playing the long game. Building an Apple practice isn’t about making quick gains; it’s about creating a sustainable pipeline of opportunities that will pay dividends in the years to come. 

This episode was packed with actionable insights, and Ben Greiner’s expertise on Apple was eye-opening. Whether you’re an MSP owner curious about Apple or someone who’s been hesitant to dive into the ecosystem, this conversation is a must-listen. If you’d like to connect with Ben, he’s active on LinkedIn and ready to share more about how Addigy can help MSPs thrive with Apple. 

Connect with Ben Greiner through his LinkedIn by clicking HERE. 

You can also visit their website and learn more about Addigy by clicking HERE. 

Connect on LinkedIn HERE with Ian and also with Stuart by clicking this LINK 

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. 

OR  

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!