Unlock instant access and begin today with your free trial.
Mastering contract management is essential for smooth operations and business success for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). During a recent “The MSP Mastermind Hour” session, industry experts from ZenContract and GetInSync shared valuable insights on how MSPs can elevate their contract management processes while strategically aligning IT services with business objectives. This post highlights the insights from Greg Sharp of ZenContract and Stuart Holtby of GetInSync.
The conversation started with introductions from Stuart Holtby, co-founder of GetInSync, and Greg Sharp, CEO of ZenContract. Both emphasized the need for MSPs to move beyond basic contract management and advocate for a strategic approach that aligns IT services with a client’s broader business goals. While ZenContract specializes in simplifying the contract lifecycle, GetInSync focuses on aligning IT strategy with financial and business outcomes, helping MSPs maximize the value they deliver to clients.
A recurring theme was the critical role of the Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) in overseeing contracts. For small—to mid-sized businesses, a vCIO offers strategic guidance, ensuring technology investments align with the company’s business drivers. Stuart and Greg both emphasized that MSPs offering vCIO services must take a structured approach to managing client contracts and IT investments. With the right tools, like GetInSync for strategic IT alignment and ZenContract for streamlined contract workflows, MSPs can enhance both business outcomes and operational efficiencies.
Another key takeaway was the importance of clearly defining roles and responsibilities within the MSP-client relationship. By using frameworks like RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed), MSPs can avoid confusion, improve collaboration, and ensure that every stakeholder knows their duties. By outlining these responsibilities, MSPs can prevent misunderstandings, especially in co-managed environments where internal and external IT teams must work in sync.
Both Stuart and Greg stressed the importance of continuous contract assessment and improvement. MSPs should regularly review Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that contracts reflect current business goals and provide clients with the desired value. By aligning contracts with the latest objectives and IT strategies, MSPs can foster long-term, sustainable relationships with their clients.
The experts also highlighted the growing trend of co-managed IT services, where MSPs and in-house IT teams collaborate to optimize IT operations. This hybrid model allows businesses to leverage external expertise while maintaining internal control over daily operations. Effective contract management in these co-managed environments ensures that both parties are aligned, making managing complex tasks, budget allocations, and strategic decisions easier.
ZenContract and GetInSync offer complementary solutions for MSPs. ZenContract specializes in the contract lifecycle, making it easy to create, template, and manage contracts, including e-signatures and renewals. It integrates seamlessly with PSA tools, ensuring MSPs can manage their entire contract workflow efficiently.
GetInSync, on the other hand, provides MSPs with a platform to align IT spending and strategy with their clients’ business goals. The platform offers visibility into technical debt and IT investments, ensuring that technology is a strategic asset rather than a cost burden. These tools empower MSPs to streamline operations, foster transparency, and build stronger client relationships.
No matter where an MSP is in its growth journey, structured contract management is essential for scaling operations and achieving greater efficiency. By leveraging ZenContract to streamline contract workflows and GetInSync to ensure strategic IT alignment, MSPs can elevate their services and ensure their clients’ technology investments deliver long-term business value.
For more details on optimizing your MSP’s contract management, contact the experts at ZenContract and GetInSync. These platforms provide the tools and guidance MSPs need to improve their contract management and IT services.
