You’re on a nice quiet flight when suddenly there’s a problem. The flight crew is scrambling, and the oxygen masks have come down. Do you remember the instructions?
Always put your mask on FIRST. Then you can help those around you.
Why?
Well, if you haven’t taken care of yourself properly, you can’t take care of someone else.
The same is true when it comes to compliance. If you haven’t taken care of your MSP, you can’t adequately take care of your clients.
It’s easy to see compliance as merely a set of checkboxes to be ticked off. After all, you’re busy, and compliance seems like.....well.... a hassle. It certainly doesn’t seem like a huge priority when you’ve got a huge to-do list, fires burning, and meetings to attend. I understand. But do you know what else I understand? That we all make choices about the level of success we’ll achieve and decisions we make today, lay the groundwork for the success (or lack of success) we’ll have tomorrow.
Compliance at its core is about security. Yes, it’s also about meeting standards. But at its core, compliance is about security. If you aren’t taking the right steps, how can you guide your clients? Better yet, why should they listen to you if you’re not compliant? After all, would you listen to a mechanic who drives a car with the brake warning light on all the time if he told you to spend $1,000 on new brakes?
Setting An Important Precedent
Adopting and adhering to compliance standards within your MSP sets a precedent. This internal alignment serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating your commitment to compliance and their capability to implement the necessary controls and procedures. It’s a powerful statement to clients that you don’t just talk the talk; you walk the walk. This establishes a strong foundation of trust and reliability.
Compliance: A Two-way Street
Compliance requirements often stipulate that not only must the client comply with specific standards, but their providers, including IT departments and MSPs, also must meet these standards. This mutual compliance ensures a seamless, secure, and compliant workflow from end to end. If you don’t take the compliance journey yourself – and provide evidence and validation of your compliance - your client’s adherence to regulations could be compromised. This could potentially lead to severe repercussions during audits.
Delivering High-Impact CaaS
Implementing a compliance program internally before rolling it out to clients enables you to refine their processes, identify potential pitfalls, and establish best practices. This preparation ensures that when you bring these programs to your clients, you’re delivering a tested, high-impact service that not only meets but exceeds compliance requirements.
The result?
Enhanced security improved operational efficiency, and a reduced risk of non-compliance for both you and your clients.
Reducing Liability and Enhancing Reputation
Want to lose business, potential business, and get tied up with lawsuits?
No? Well, then here’s another reason why you need to be compliant.
In instances where audits are conducted, having an environment that’s already checked off as compliant significantly reduces your liability. It’s an assurance that you not only understand the importance of compliance but also actively ensures that your environment—and by extension, your clients’ environments—meets the required standards. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also enhances your reputation as a reliable and compliant provider, further cementing their position as a leader in the IT services industry.
Your Road Ahead
Implementing a compliance program within your organization before extending it to clients is not without its challenges. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement, regular training for staff, and a proactive stance on evolving compliance landscapes. However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. By taking this crucial first step, you not only safeguard their operations but also provide your clients with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are in compliant, capable hands.
Compliance begins at home. Before extending compliance programs to clients, you must first ensure your house is in order. This foundational step is crucial for delivering high-impact services, reducing liability, and building a reputation as a trusted, compliant IT service provider. In the world of MSPs, setting the standard for compliance within your own operations isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity.
It only takes a quick glance at the cyber landscape to realize that things have gotten bumpy. The oxygen masks have come down. It’s time to put your oxygen mask first, because it’s the only way you that you’ll be ready to help others survive.
