“We were able to customize our assets within seconds and generate leads to provides effective sales journeys.”
"Thanks to the ConnectWise Partner Program, we've been able to offer cost-effective solutions that don't financially burden our clients. The flexible licensing models and strategic pricing guidance have been game-changers for us."
CIT, a Minnesota-based MSP, has leveraged its 15-year partnership with ConnectWise to enhance its cybersecurity offerings, educate customers on robust security measures, and integrate comprehensive solutions that do not hinder business operations.
CIT has been pioneering innovative and user-centric technological solutions since 1992. With a mission to marry tech and business, CIT helps organizations position themselves for optimal and sustainable growth. Their long-standing partnership with ConnectWise has been instrumental in enhancing their service offerings and driving business growth.
The Role of The ConnectWise Partner Program in MSP Success
The ConnectWise Partner Program™ helps MSPs grow their businesses by providing expert guidance, marketing resources, sales automation tools, Market Development Funds (MDF), and continuous support.
Nate Schmidt, Director of Cybersecurity at CIT, shared the various aspects and challenges of cybersecurity in the industry, highlighting the importance of customer education on cybersecurity. Schmidt specifically credits the ConnectWise Partner Program for its “positive impact on CIT’s sales and marketing strategies by providing tools, resources, and expert guidance.”
One of the most pressing challenges for CIT when it comes to cybersecurity is education — specifically, bringing clients up to speed about the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures and integrating comprehensive solution stacks without compromising business operations or being too cost-prohibitive. "Educating customers on the strategic importance of cybersecurity and integrating solutions effectively are pivotal in enhancing security infrastructure," said Schmidt.
The Power of Long-Term Partnerships
CIT has leveraged a 15-year partnership with ConnectWise to intensify its focus on cybersecurity over the last five years. The ConnectWise Partner Program played a crucial role in this transformation by providing CIT with access to a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions, expert guidance, and continuous support.
"The ConnectWise Partner Program has been instrumental in our growth. The tools and resources provided have allowed us to overcome significant roadblocks and scale our business effectively," said
Schmidt.
Leveraging MDF Funds to Prospect. Educate and Strengthen Relationships
The utilization of Market Development Funds (MDF) provided by ConnectWise illustrates how strategic funding can be employed to foster business growth and enhance customer relationships. The ConnectWise Partner Program offers a range of benefits, including access to MDF, which partners can use to drive marketing initiatives and expand their reach.
CIT has creatively used MDF funds to:
- Sponsor high-end entertaining educational and networking events in luxury settings: These events not only provide valuable learning opportunities but also create a memorable experience for attendees, strengthening relationships and fostering a sense of community among clients and prospects.
- Engage customers through unique experiences, such as axe throwing: These activities serve as both entertainment and networking opportunities, allowing CIT to connect with clients in a relaxed and informal setting, which helps build trust and rapport.
- Develop co-branded marketing materials: By highlighting the synergistic relationship between CIT and ConnectWise, these materials enhance brand visibility and demonstrate the value of their partnership. This co-branding effort helps to reinforce the credibility and expertise of both companies in the eyes of their customers.
Maximizing Marketing Impact with GlassHiveTM
The ConnectWise Partner Program also provides partners with access to dedicated ConnectWise colleagues, marketing experts, and a comprehensive library of marketing content. Additionally, partners gain access to GlassHive™, a cutting-edge sales and marketing automation platform
GlassHive simplified sales and marketing through intuitive AI-driven automation. “We were able to customize our assets within seconds and generate leads to provides effective sales journeys” to follow up and close those leads, Schmidt said.
These resources enable partners like CIT to effectively plan and execute their marketing strategies, ensuring they maximize the impact of their MDF investments. By leveraging the tools and support provided by the ConnectWise Partner Program and GlassHive, CIT has been able to drive significant business growth and enhance customer engagement.
Educational Opportunities and Events
Beyond funding for creative client-focused initiatives, CIT leverages ConnectWise platforms to host engaging annual Tech Fairs and other educational events to further facilitate knowledge sharing and personalized interactions. “We bring in a lot of customers and prospects and just make it a big education event,” says Schmitt, “teach them about the landscape of cybersecurity, what the tools are doing, where they fit in the stack.”
To augment that experience, CIT brings its partner engineers from ConnectWise onsite to help with additional education, breaking out into smaller groups that drive engagement and a deeper understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. According to Schmitt, these “experiences are miles better than the generic marketing blasts typically seen in the industry.”
Documenting Success and Growth
The partnership has yielded significant business growth for CIT, marked by double-digit annual increases and a substantial conversion of customer endpoints.
“We were able to convert over 20,000 endpoints from traditional antivirus to a fully managed EDR solution” Schmidt shared. These metrics not only underscore the efficacy of the partnership but also highlight the strategic conversion of traditional setups to advanced security frameworks.
Embracing The ConnectWise Partner Program for Future-Ready Cybersecurity
The journey of CIT with the ConnectWise Partner Program is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and community engagement for MSPs. By leveraging collaborative events, educational programs, and strategic funding, CIT effectively enhanced their service offerings and position themselves as leaders in the ever-evolving cybersecurity domain.
MSPs looking to replicate CIT’s success should consider engaging deeply with partner programs, actively participating in industry events, and continuously exploring innovative ways to educate and connect with their customers.
