Why MSPs Need to Treat Customers to Lunch
Nobody likes to be stuck in the office all the time, and we recognize that. Among the many hats we wear as MSPs are those of educator and entertainer. The challenge, however, is how do you educate, entertain and capture an audience of prospects, especially as many budgets continue to tighten? With this in mind, coming up with enticing topics that will attract and hold the interests of decision makers can be a juggling act. EZ Micro Solutions recognizes these hurdles and has come up with some proven to-dos when it comes to grabbing–and holding–the attention of a prospective audience.
1. Take the opportunity to get in front of your prospects: Two of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do this are “lunch and learns,” usually a few times a year, and local business expos. Each has so many benefits for us as a company–plus, we have fun doing it.
2. Get customers and prospects excited about what you’re presenting: A successful event starts with an eye-catching invitation! You don’t always need to be so serious—people, in general, like to have fun. Think about how much more fun you would have had, and how much more you would have learned, if your teachers lightened up a little! You can have a good time and still learn something.
3. Interact with people in all the ways they learn: This includes by listening, by seeing or by experiencing touch. This allows for all kinds of creativity with marketing. We use our vendor names, like Datto, along with the topics of conversation for that particular event for the base of our invite design.
4. Don’t underestimate the importance of food at an event: Everyone loves–and needs–food!
5. Go home with your prospects: When people have something in their hands–something that they can look at or use (touch) on a regular basis–it can be a positive reminder of their experience with your company. Make sure your name and logo, and social addresses if applicable, are visible on all resources. At EZ Micro, we have had great success with customized note cubes and lens cloths. It may sound simple, but it helps ensure quick and positive recall (whatever give-a-way you present).
We get a lot of positive feedback from people thanking us for the information we share with them and for bringing our vendors in to speak and share knowledge with them. This is what it’s all about–excellent customer service, sharing knowledge, growing businesses and building amazing relationships with our vendors.
Networking events present opportunities to meet people and broaden your web of contacts. Whether it’s an event you hold or attend, the value in face-to-face meetings is immeasurable. It may be the perfect way to break into that company you’ve had your eye on, to gain a better perspective of your job and–dare I say it—maybe even have some fun!
To discuss impactful ideas to market and influence your customers and prospects, reach out to the Datto Marketing Team at [email protected].
Lisa Buss is Customer Account Manager, EZMicro. Guest blogs such as this one are published monthly and are part of MSPmentor’s annual platinum sponsorship.