Those who achieve business excellence understand it’s definitely not a destination or a one-and-done event. Maintaining that level of quality requires continual evaluation and adjustments, and typically involves a high degree of ongoing research and analysis to help steer an effective long-term strategy. Most organizations realize success only after overcoming potential game-ending obstacles as well as the day-to-day challenges that can threaten even the most organized operations.

Of course, it’s not just external threats business owners have to watch out for. Many organizations go through an occasional period of stagnation, where the leadership team gets distracted or content with their success. They may lighten up on the throttle of new business-enhancing activities and — even though sales and revenue may stay fairly strong — their growth may take a hit. As owners and managers struggle to keep up with the needs of their growing customer count, it’s not unusual to put some long-term plans on the back burner. Often, stagnation is simply the result of not having enough time to focus on the things that truly matter to achieving future goals.

As any experienced managed services provider will confirm, distractions that keep them from meeting their objectives can be extremely costly. It might not factor in today or tomorrow, but anything that causes MSPs to overlook opportunities or delay entry into new markets is harmful to their business’ health and longevity. Even after overseeing years of successful expansion, some managed services professionals find it a real challenge to maintain that level of consistent growth.

There are simply no shortcuts when building and sustaining a prosperous MSP organization — but for those looking to advance their business as well as their IT services acumen, there is help available. Consider the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark an MBA for MSPs. Though it’s specific to the business, not the individual, this credential requires providers to understand and implement respected industry best practices in their own organization. Just completing the application process will help candidates strengthen their operational capabilities and industry competencies. Since the recommendations and requirements have been carefully vetted by some of the channel’s most successful managed services providers, they have real merit, and not just within the IT industry, but in your particular business.

The Managed Services Trustmark program helps solution providers strengthen several key aspects of their business model so they can achieve an even greater number of their long-term objectives. The list of enhanced proficiencies includes: 

• Defining and executing a strategy for growth
• Developing and deploying new technology solutions
• Investing in and executing marketing programs
• Selling beyond their customers’ IT departments

In addition to authenticating and strengthening operational and business processes, the Managed Services Trustmark program also helps providers set themselves apart from the competition. The logo illustrates the dedication to quality of MSPs that have earned it and can effectively convey that message to customers and prospects using the CompTIA-supplied templates and support materials.

Be sure to check out the CompTIA Managed Services Trustmark program details or get started on the application process today!

Brian Sherman is founder of Tech Success Communications, specializing in editorial content and consulting for the IT channel.