The budget conversation they're not inviting you to
They're planning next year's budget. You'll find out in January what they decided.
Most MSPs are reactive to client budgets - finding out after decisions are made, then scrambling to fit into whatever was allocated. The MSPs who grow are proactive - helping shape the budget before it's locked.
The scenario:
You want to help clients plan IT budgets in a way that includes appropriate security and modernisation investment.
The prompt:
You're preparing a budget planning session with a client.
Create a framework that includes:
- Review of current spend by category
- Assessment of gaps and risks carrying into next year
- Roadmap of recommended investments with business justification
- Phasing options (what's urgent vs. can wait)
- TCO comparisons for major decisions
- Format for presenting to their finance team
Include a budget planning template they can use internally. Add talking points for justifying security spend to non-technical executives.