A partner's perspective: The benefits of joining IT Nation Evolve

Did you know ConnectWise offers much more than just software? Our mission is to empower IT solution providers with unmatched software, services, and community to achieve their most ambitious vision of success.  

As an IT Nation community manager, I’ve seen the magic of The IT Nation Community firsthand. Between conferences, in-depth product training, and community-based events, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved and connected with your peers.  

Pro tip: Check out The IT Nation Connect keynote if you missed it. 

IT Nation Evolve is an annual membership program designed to help you navigate your business journey through peer group interactions. Our members are among the highest in growth and have the largest profitability percentages in the industry. We bring business owners and leaders together to learn from each other and create accountability to push their businesses to new heights and chart the progress on their journey against industry benchmarks. 

I recently chatted with my good friend and fellow IT Nation Evolve member James Cash, Managing Director of Superfast IT for his take on the benefits of getting involved: 

Q: What is it like being an IT Nation Evolve Member? 

A: It is great being an IT Nation Evolve member. I’ve formed a good working relationship with Dan, our community manager, and fellow IT business owners in my peer group.   

Being an IT Nation Evolve member, there is a real sense of community. We all have common goals, missions, and challenges—taking similar journeys as MSP business leaders. It means we all relate to one another. 

It can be quite isolating as a business owner, but being part of IT Nation Evolve, there is a real sense of belonging. A huge weight is lifted when you discover “it’s not just me,” if there is an area of the business that you are struggling with. These struggles are often more commonplace than what you think, and they’re something that can be tackled collaboratively in the peer group.  

We all help each other out, discussing sticking points, sharing our experiences, learning about different approaches and tools. It is satisfying to not only find solutions in a supportive environment, but also offer answers to other members challenges.  

I find that being part of IT Nation Evolve is motivating too. You can see how others have succeeded and that helps to fuel my own ambition to drive Superfast IT forward. We benchmark against each other, discuss what has worked, what hasn’t, and discover how other MSPs have resolved various challenges. It’s also motivating and rewarding when you discover that your business is excelling in a particular area too. 

I’m also held to account by the other members. When I tell my peers that I have a goal, they hold me accountable. It is easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations, but being held accountable has helped me to focus on business growth. I get a real sense of achievement when I can tell my Evolve group that I have smashed a goal. 

The network goes beyond the quarterly meetings. We regularly WhatsApp about important work developments and meet up socially too. I have formed lifelong friendships amongst my Evolve peer group and when we can, we meet for drinks.  

Q: Why did you join IT Nation Evolve? 

A: My involvement with Evolve dates back to 2008, and I believe that I am one of the longest serving members! My reason for joining, what was a brand-new peer group back then, was to learn. There were only three or four people in the group initially, but their businesses were four or five times the size of ours. It was inspiring to see, and I wanted to be like them. I was eager to find out how they had grown their business. 

If I was to explain the benefits of joining Evolve to someone considering I would say, you have the opportunity to join a community of likeminded people—and that is time and money well invested. I consider the meet-ups a key part of my personal and business development. 

How to join: https://www.connectwise.com/theitnation/evolve/apply  

Q: What impact has IT Nation Evolve had on your business? 

A: IT Nation Evolve has had a positive impact to our business. We are ambitious, and it is helpful to regularly meet with a likeminded group of people. We help each other to grow—and that is what we have seen. Joining IT Nation Evolve has contributed to our business growth. We’re more efficient, our processes have sharpened, and we’re a more professional outfit. The group has helped me to decide where best to reinvest into my business to secure future growth. 

I find that I can resolve issues quickly. It is empowering being a part of the group. I believe it also adds to our business’ credibility; I inform our clients about new trends discussed in our peer group, to demonstrate our commitment in keeping ahead of IT and security trends. 

Today, I continue to learn about ConnectWise products, build our relationship with the team and make the most out of the systems that our business use, but the group is much more than this. 

While being part of IT Nation Evolve helps me to make the most out of ConnectWise products and systems for my business, I am also learning from my peers. I have developed my business at a much faster rate than if I was to do it alone. If I reflect on where I was when I first joined, compared to now—it is a complete transformation. We are now like the businesses I first inspired to become, but it doesn’t stop there. I’m really excited to what the future holds. 

Q: Is there one piece of advice you’d like to share with other MSPs? 

A: As IT Nation Evolve suggests, running an MSP is an evolution. Goals are not reached over night, so it is important to have patience and a growth mindset. Celebrate the process of reaching your goals and acknowledge the small wins along the way. Success is an accumulation of small wins, with many bumps along the way. Put time aside to reinvest time and energy back into your business, and progress will be made. 

Q: What would you say to others who are considering joining the IT Nation Evolve peer group community? 

A: If you are considering joining the IT Nation Evolve peer group community, I would recommend to just do it—you won’t regret it. If you find it hard to move your MSP forward, joining the IT Nation Evolve peer group community will help to steer your path. It’s an investment into your business and personal development.  

There is no need to feel isolated or face business issues alone.