Beyond the "Bad Apples": How to Vet MSP Consulting Services

Stop trying to figure it out on your own.

If that line hits close to home, you've likely run into the same wall many MSP leaders face: Your team's technical expertise and sheer effort are the reasons your company grew, but that same DIY mentality is now the reason it's stuck.

The solution? You need a partner to take over the crucial but non-billable work. 

But we get it. For many MSPs, the word “consultant” comes with a heavy dose of skepticism and a history of disappointment. You’ve heard the promises and paid the price for the industry's “bad apples,” leaving you feeling relieved only after they were finally gone.

The goal is not to hire no consultants—it’s to hire the right one. Here’s how.

Red Flags to Spot Ineffective MSP Consultants

The stakes are too high for another disappointment. Learn how to spot the signs of arrogance and outdated practices so you can avoid wasting resources and find the trustworthy consultant your MSP needs.

Red Flag: The “We Can Do It Better” Arrogance

You’re clearly capable. After all, you built a company on your technical expertise. The wrong consultant is the one who sells to you with arrogance, dictating a one-size-fits-all plan while implying you’re too inept or shortsighted to execute it yourself.

They tell you that you can’t do the work. The truth is, you simply shouldn't.

For many owners, the DIY mentality is the biggest bottleneck to growth. When your internal team is backlogged managing your BMS or UMM systems, or your engineers are building automations without a business objective, you are choosing to focus on non-revenue-generating chaos over profitability.

Whether you’re a solo owner struggling with bookkeeping that doesn't "speak MSP" or a platform MSP trying to manage a messy PSA integration, spending time on internal plumbing is just leaving money on the table. A true partner understands the opportunity cost of your time and will alleviate the tasks that distract you from focusing on sales, marketing, and client service, which are the activities that actually impact your profitability and growth.

Red Flag: The "Best Practices" Band-Aid

If a consultant leans on phrases like “best practices” or sounds like an AI chatbot, they are likely selling you generic fluff. Sound familiar?

The "best practices" Band-Aid is the one-size-fits-all solution pushed by MSP consultants who don't understand the unique operational reality of your business. They impose a framework regardless of your tech stack, client base, or scale, forcing you into a rigid box. This approach fails because MSPs require highly customizable and consultative solutions to solve their specific pain points.

Tips for Choosing the Right MSP Consulting Services

You need a partner who can prove their value, eliminate risk, and commit to your long-term success. Follow these tips to find the ideal fit:

Ask Contenders Key Questions Upfront

Once you’ve eliminated the arrogance and the fluff, it’s time to start asking questions. For example:

"How will you make my company more valuable?" 

An ideal consultant explains how their service, from outsourcing your accounting to leading your M&A IMO team, is an investment. It must directly increase your scalability, profitability, and operational efficiency. This growth, in turn, boosts your enterprise value for the future, whether you plan to sell or simply drive profit to the bottom line.

“Will you respect my business model?”

You want to find a consultant who acts as a direct extension of your leadership team. They leverage their expertise to support your existing business model, ensuring solutions are customized rather than rigid or generic. This is the foundation of a reliable partnership that lasts.

"How will you handle my current technology chaos?”

This question screens for process-focused experts. Solutions must address current internal pain points, such as syncing HubSpot and ConnectWise for the first time or integrating messy legacy PSA implementations. The answer must demonstrate a commitment to a structured process that delivers successful outcomes.

Request Credentials and Proof Points

Because trust eliminates risk, always look past claims and ask for proof of expertise. A partner who respects your skepticism will back their promises with facts and history.

• Look for industry veterans. You need a partner who speaks your language. That means looking for a consultant who has actually built and run successful MSPs, allowing them to speak to you owner-to-owner.

• Require ROI data. The proof is in the pudding. When you’re vetting an MSP consultant, ask to see case studies, hard data on ROI metrics, and proof of successful acquisitions to validate their process.

• Verify their focus. Can they walk the walk? Ensure their experience aligns with the scale of your need, whether it’s streamlining internal tools or managing complex integrations across platforms.

Look for a Partner Who Mirrors Your Goals

The best MSP consultant’s service delivery model will directly counter your deepest fears. That means one that focuses on long-term solutions and desired outcomes instead of just services. A good partner won't drop off after one project; they will talk about a multi-year cycle that supports you from small tool implementation through high-level strategic coaching and M&A due diligence.

Choosing MSP Consultants You Can (Actually) Trust

Properly vetting MSP consulting services will help you find a partner who eliminates risk, boosts your ROI, and makes you feel relieved and supported. You deserve an experienced partner who is ready to do the heavy lifting for you so you can stop doing it all alone.

Ready for a consultative partner who’s been in your shoes? Let’s have a conversation.