Congrats! You’ve sold your MSP. You’re no longer dealing with never-ending tickets, irate clients, or the looming fear of a ransomware attack at 2 am. So, what’s next? Before you start celebrating too hard, it’s time to figure out your next move. Here are five paths you can take after selling your MSP, complete with the pros, cons, and the type of person who’ll thrive in each.
Start a SaaS for the MSP Market
The Idea: You’ve lived and breathed the MSP world, so why not leverage that experience to create a software product that solves a common pain point for MSPs? You know the market, you know the needs, and now you can design the perfect tool to address them.
Pros:
- You already understand the market inside and out.
- You can build something that directly addresses the problems you’ve faced.
- Potential for high scalability and revenue if your product takes off.
Cons:
- Building a SaaS is hard work—think sleepless nights and endless code debugging.
- You’re back in the startup grind, which means risk and uncertainty.
- Marketing a SaaS is a whole different ballgame.
Personality Fit: Ideal for the visionary who loves solving problems and isn’t afraid of jumping back into the startup grind. If you have a knack for product development and can handle the stress of building something from scratch, this could be your path.
Work for an MSP Vendor in Sales or Leadership
The Idea: You’ve got the MSP experience; why not take it to the vendor side? Whether it’s in sales, leadership, or strategy, your insider knowledge could be invaluable.
Pros:
- You get to stay in the MSP space without the day-to-day operational headaches.
- Typically, more stable income and work-life balance compared to running your own company.
- Opportunities to influence product development and sales strategies with your hands-on experience.
Cons:
- You’re no longer the boss—be prepared to answer to someone else.
- Corporate environments can be stifling, especially if you’re used to calling the shots.
- You may miss the entrepreneurial freedom.
Personality Fit: This is perfect for the former MSP owner who wants to stay close to the industry but prefers a bit more stability. If you enjoy working with people and have a knack for sales or leadership, this could be your next chapter.
Become an MSP Business Consultant
The Idea: Turn your MSP expertise into a business/MSP consulting gig (e.g., Pax8 Academy). Whether you’re helping other MSPs streamline operations or advising them on growth strategies, your experience can be invaluable to those still in the trenches.
Pros:
- Flexible work schedule—you’re your own boss again.
- You can charge a premium for your hard-earned advice.
- Consulting lets you stay involved in the MSP world without the headaches of ownership.
Cons:
- Finding clients can be a challenge, especially when starting out.
- You’re selling your time, which can limit income potential.
- The travel and constant networking can be exhausting.
Personality Fit: Perfect for the seasoned MSP owner who loves sharing knowledge and helping others succeed. If you’re good at building relationships and don’t mind the hustle to find clients, consulting could be your thing.
Shift into a CIO or vCIO Role
The Idea: Use your MSP experience to become a Chief Information Officer (CIO) or virtual CIO (vCIO) for a company. You’ve been the outsourced IT provider—now, you can be the in-house strategic leader.
Pros:
- Stable, high-paying role with the chance to shape IT strategy at a high level.
- You can leverage all your MSP experience in a different way.
- Potential for long-term career growth within the organization.
Cons:
- Corporate politics can be a drag, especially if you’re used to running the show.
- The role can be less dynamic than running your own business.
- The transition from MSP owner to corporate exec can be jarring.
Personality Fit: Great for the MSP owner who loves strategic thinking and wants to influence IT at a higher level. If you’re tired of the constant hustle of running your own business and are ready to step into a more stable, yet still challenging, role, this could be for you.
Take a Sabbatical or Semi-Retire
The Idea: After years of running an MSP, maybe you just need a break. Whether it’s a year off to travel the world or semi-retirement where you dabble in side projects, taking some time off could be exactly what you need.
Pros:
- No work, no stress—just time to recharge.
- Opportunity to explore new passions or hobbies.
- Freedom to decide what you want to do next without rushing.
Cons:
- If you’re a workaholic, the lack of structure might drive you crazy.
- Getting back into the workforce later can be challenging.
- Your bank account might not appreciate the extended vacation.
Personality Fit: Ideal for the burned-out MSP owner who needs a serious break. If you’ve been running full tilt for years and need time to figure out what’s next, a sabbatical might be just what the doctor ordered.
Final Thoughts
Selling your MSP is a huge milestone, but it’s just the beginning of your next adventure. Whether you jump back into the startup world, take a leadership role, or decide to kick back for a while, there’s no wrong choice. Just pick the path that aligns with who you are and what you want to do next. And remember, the best part about selling your business? You finally get to decide what you want to do—no more putting out fires (unless, of course, that’s your thing).
