Steps to kick off vCIO Services
9 October 2018 Comments Off on Steps to kick off vCIO Services QBR, vCIO
When looking to add services to MSP, be sure to incorporate a vCIO as the main feature. It’s important to start with basic steps. Things are never perfect at first but that’s ok. As you do it more, you will get better and better. Using an online vCIO software like www.narmada.cloud can really help you jump-start the process.
Definition
It’s important to define some terms. VCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) is the main term for the outsourced role. However, it can be a little intimidating for some smaller MSP shops because a regular CIO role is a highly skilled position. Normally found within larger organizations. vCTO (virtual Chief Technology Officer) or vITM (virtual IT manager) may be more appropriate as it conveys skill set and experience that matches better the skills of regular size MSP shop team. Here are the basic steps
Templates
Create a QBR template that will guide your team thru the virtual CIO process from the initial review to a client meeting, and follow up. The scope of the template can range from 25-50 items, to start with and over time you can add and expand the scope of the review as you address the most important areas of the client network.
In small businesses, the Technical Account Manager might take on the role of vCIO for the client, in larger organizations creating a job title of full-time virtual IT manager that has prior virtual CIO role experience and will work with the rest of the team.
Clients
Start with a small cross-section of clients. The biggest clients are the best place to start. Once you have those clients set up, get your next biggest clients into the business process for the second quarter. Quarter by quarter, pull new clients into the system. This might seem a daunting task but keep in mind with a system as streamlined and automated with a vCIO software like Narmada, is much more simple. Having the added benefit of cloud computing means less work and added layers of protection in disaster recovery management. We have templates and other features to make this a seamless process from the beginning. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel!
Once you have all the data compiled into your system, go through it live with your client! It’s important to always keep the clients business objectives at the forefront. Let them see your work and touch base on all the projects being worked on. Combine this service with your QBR to make a good presentation and get all the information to the client in one meeting. Using a resource like Narmada.cloud will allow you the day to day documentation but also be cost effective.
Schedule time to meet
Getting these meetings set up doesn’t have to be complicated. Find a calendar system that works for you and get this portion automated as well. It makes it all that much easier!
To make a lasting impression give your clients a report so they have your findings and recommendations at hand. Follow up in 3-6 months to maintain QBR continuity.
These are the basic steps to get you up and going with QBRs
