Growing as an MSP Owner Through Community
▶️ Watch: Growing Through Community for MSPs
Prefer to read? The key ideas from the video are expanded below.
One of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is that it can feel really lonely. Even when you have a team, it’s easy to feel like all the weight is on your shoulders because ultimately it is. Your employees don’t really get what it’s like, and your spouse is your life partner, not your business partner.
I see this especially with managed service providers. You’re often the final escalation point when something breaks, so it can feel like you’re carrying the stress of every client.
That’s why community matters. Not because you need more networking, but because you need people around you who understand what you’re carrying and give you somewhere to be honest about it.
Find People Who Actually Understand the Weight
One of the most valuable groups I’m part of is called Thriveal. It’s a paid community for CPA firm owners, and it’s been fantastic.
We meet virtually on a regular basis, and we use a platform called Circle to communicate in between meetings. Everyone signs an NDA, which means people are willing to share things like compensation numbers, profit margins, and staffing challenges — stuff you would never post publicly.
And yes, the benchmarking is valuable. But honestly, the biggest value is just not feeling alone.
Knowing there are other people who understand the same challenges, who can celebrate wins or give you space to vent, is huge.
In almost every industry, there are groups like this. If you’re in the MSP world, look for a peer group that is structured, confidential, and made up of owners who are willing to share what’s actually happening — numbers, staffing challenges, what’s working, and what isn’t.
It might take a couple tries to find the right fit. That’s okay. The point is finding a place with enough trust that people can be real.
Community Does Not Have to Be Formal
In 2019, I went through the AICPA Leadership Academy. That was just one week, but the relationships from it have lasted for years.
We still meet monthly for a call, and every June we reconnect in person at a conference. That annual event is one of the biggest recharges for me — encouragement, new ideas, and time with people who get it.
I also have a CPA friend in Kansas City. About once every month or two, we hop on a call and just talk shop. No agenda, no pressure — just encouragement and perspective.
So if you’re not ready for a big formal group, start smaller. Find one peer you trust, set up a regular time to talk, and see what that does for you.
Some of the Most Important Community Is Already Around You
Community isn’t just external. Inside my own business, having a partner and a leadership team has made all the difference.
As the business has grown, I don’t have to carry everything alone anymore. We share responsibility, we share the wins, and we share the challenges.
I’ve also found value in mentoring and volunteering. Both can create another kind of community and give you perspective outside the day-to-day business.
Sometimes Community Is One Trusted Person
For some of my clients, part of what they value in working with me isn’t just the numbers. It’s that monthly advisory call where they know they’ll be heard, encouraged, and challenged.
Sometimes community looks like having the right outside voice in your corner.
You don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s a structured group like Thriveal is for CPA firms, an MSP peer group, a leadership program, a trusted peer, your own team, or an advisor, the important thing is having people around you who understand the weight and can help you carry it.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Every business is different, and you should talk with your own professional about what makes sense for your situation.
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