IT Support & Managed Services

Provide ongoing IT support, monitoring, and management for small business networks and systems

Startup Cost
$15,000-$40,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
6-12 months
Profit Potential
$10,000-$60,000+/month

Overview

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) deliver comprehensive IT support to small and mid-sized businesses through monthly subscription model.

Services include help desk support, network monitoring, server management, backup and disaster recovery, cybersecurity, cloud services, and strategic IT planning.

Unlike break-fix IT (charging per incident), MSP model provides predictable monthly revenue while giving clients unlimited support and proactive monitoring preventing issues.

Success requires technical expertise across systems, business understanding, and customer service.

Technology stack includes RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) tools, PSA (Professional Services Automation), backup solutions, and cybersecurity tools.

Pricing typically charges $100-200 per user monthly or $1,000-5,000 per month per small business.

Securing 20 clients at $2,000 monthly generates $40,000 monthly recurring revenue.

Startup costs include RMM/PSA subscriptions, cybersecurity tools, certifications, insurance, and marketing totaling $10,000-30,000.

Building client base requires demonstrating value over break-fix, partnering with business consultants and accountants, content marketing on IT topics, and local business networking.

Operating costs include software stack, continuing education, cyber insurance, and potentially technicians.

Challenges include 24/7 responsibility, technology complexity, cybersecurity threats, and transitioning clients from break-fix mentality.

Success requires technical competence, proactive monitoring preventing fires, clear communication in business terms not jargon, and strong client relationships.

MSPs are highly valuable businesses when built with systems and recurring revenue.

Required Skills

  • IT Infrastructure
  • Network Management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Customer Service
  • Business Acumen

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Highly recurring monthly revenue model
  • Essential service creates client retention
  • Can build very valuable business
  • Work remotely with cloud tools
  • Growing cybersecurity needs drive demand

Cons

  • Requires broad technical expertise
  • 24/7 monitoring and support responsibility
  • Significant tool stack investment
  • Cybersecurity liability concerns
  • Long sales cycles with new clients

How to Get Started

  1. Get IT certifications (CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco)
  2. Select and subscribe to RMM and PSA platforms
  3. Define service offerings and pricing tiers
  4. Build relationships with business networks
  5. Land first 3-5 clients and perfect service delivery
  6. Implement proactive monitoring and documentation
  7. Scale by adding technicians and automating

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