Start Here: Your Guide to Choosing the Right MSP
Whether you're considering IT support for the first time, evaluating your current provider, or looking to expand services, this guide will help you make the right decision for your business.
Do You Need a Managed Service Provider?
If you’re handling IT in-house or relying on break-fix support, you might be leaving your business vulnerable and your team overwhelmed.
Signs You Need Professional IT Support:
- Your team spends more time fixing tech issues than doing their actual jobs
- You experience frequent downtime that impacts productivity
- You're worried about cybersecurity but don't know where to start
- Compliance requirements (FTC Safeguards, HIPAA) feel overwhelming
- Your current "IT person" is wearing too many hats
- You're growing and your tech infrastructure isn't keeping up
The Break-Fix Problem
When you only call IT when something breaks:
- Downtime costs you money and productivity
- Emergency support is expensive
- Small problems become big disasters
- You're always in reactive mode
- No strategic IT planning happens
The Managed Service Advantage
With a proactive MSP like Plus 1:
- 24/7/365 monitoring prevents issues before they start
- Predictable monthly costs (no surprise bills)
- Strategic IT planning aligned with business goals
- Immediate support when you need it
- Built-in compliance and security
What Makes Plus 1 Different
Not all MSPs are created equal:
- Real humans answer your calls 24/7 (no bots)
- 50+ years combined business process experience
- Industry-specific expertise (accounting, legal, dental, manufacturing)
- "Do the right thing" philosophy
- U.S.-based support team
Understanding Managed IT Services
Learn More About IT Support
These articles will help you understand what to look for in an MSP:
IT Provider vs In-House IT
How Small Businesses Can Decide What Really Works for Them
The Real Cost of Poor Password Habits
Why "I'll Remember It" is draining your business
Why Your Team's Dropbox Habit Is Creating Problems
Personal cloud storage is a security risk
| Support Model | Break-Fix | In-House IT | Managed Services (Plus 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Monitoring | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Predictable Costs | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Proactive Prevention | ✗ | Limited | ✓ |
| Deep Expertise Across Technologies | ✗ | Limited | ✓ |
| Compliance Support | ✗ | Maybe | ✓ |
| Business Continuity Planning | ✗ | Limited | ✓ |
| Strategic IT Planning | ✗ | Maybe | ✓ |
Is Your Current MSP Actually Performing?
You’re paying for managed services, but are you getting proactive support or just glorified break-fix?
Red Flags Your MSP Isn't Cutting It:
- You're constantly waiting on hold or for callbacks
- The same issues keep happening over and over
- They don't understand your business or industry
- You only hear from them when they want to sell you something
- Support tickets disappear into a black hole
- You get passed around to different technicians who don't know your setup
- They're reactive instead of proactive
- Communication is poor or non-existent
What You Should Expect
A high-performing MSP should:
- Answer calls within minutes, not hours
- Know your business and industry challenges
- Prevent problems before they impact you
- Communicate proactively about your IT health
- Provide strategic guidance, not just support
- Have transparent pricing with no surprise bills
The Plus 1 Difference
Here's what makes us stand out:
- U.S.-based humans answer 24/7 (no overseas call centers)
- Deep industry expertise in your sector
- Proactive quarterly business reviews
- Same technician team knows your environment
- SOC 2 Type II certified security
- Process optimization, not just break-fix
Making the Switch
Worried about the transition?
- We handle 100% of the migration work
- Zero downtime transitions
- Complete documentation handoff
- Dedicated transition manager
- We'll even deal with your old provider
- Typical transition takes 30-45 days
Why Companies Switch to Plus 1
Success Stories & Insights
See how we’ve helped businesses make successful transitions:
The Tech Stack Trap
How Too Many Apps Are Killing Your Team's Productivity
Technology Housekeeping Makes M&A Easier
For Accounting Firms planning growth
Understanding FTC Safeguards Rule
And its impact on accountants
What Our Clients Say About Making the Switch
Ready to Expand Your IT Capabilities?
Your business is growing, and your technology needs are evolving. We can help you scale strategically.
🤖 AI & Automation
Transform your business processes with intelligent automation:
- Custom AI implementation strategy
- Workflow automation
- Microsoft Copilot deployment
- AI training for your team
- ROI-focused solutions
☁️ Cloud Migration
Move to the cloud securely and efficiently:
- Microsoft 365 optimization
- Cloud infrastructure design
- Hybrid cloud solutions
- Zero-downtime migrations
- Cloud cost optimization
🔒 Enhanced Security
Strengthen your cybersecurity posture:
- Multi-layer security implementation
- Security awareness training
- Compliance support (FTC, HIPAA)
- Incident response planning
- Cyber insurance support
📊 Business Process Optimization
Streamline operations with technology:
- Workflow analysis and redesign
- ERP/CRM implementation
- Document management systems
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Integration consulting
📞 Modern Communications
Upgrade your phone and collaboration systems:
- VoIP phone systems
- Microsoft Teams deployment
- Video conferencing solutions
- Remote work enablement
- Unified communications
✅ Compliance Services
Meet regulatory requirements with confidence:
- FTC Safeguards Rule compliance
- HIPAA compliance support
- SOC 2 preparation
- Documentation and audits
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
Strategic Growth Resources
Explore how technology can drive your business forward:
The AI Shift: Why Companies That Don't Adapt Will Fall Behind
Understanding AI's impact on business
Why Your Business Isn't Ready for AI
90% of companies face this challenge
ChatGPT vs Copilot: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right AI tool
The Invoice Bottleneck
Why automation isn't solving your billing delays
Our Strategic Approach to Service Expansion
01 Discovery & Assessment
We analyze your current technology stack, business processes, and growth goals to identify opportunities.
02 Strategic Roadmap
We create a phased implementation plan that aligns with your budget and business priorities.
03 Seamless Implementation
We deploy new services with minimal disruption, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.
04 Continuous Optimization
We monitor performance, gather feedback, and continuously improve to maximize ROI.
The Plus 1 Plan: What Happens When You Choose Us
We’ve refined our onboarding process over nearly 20 years to ensure a smooth, seamless transition with zero disruption to your business.
Discovery Call
We learn about your business, current challenges, and technology goals. No sales pressure—just a conversation to see if we're the right fit.
Network Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current IT infrastructure, security posture, and identify any immediate risks or opportunities.
Custom Proposal
You receive a detailed proposal with transparent pricing, service levels, and a clear roadmap for your technology future. No hidden fees.
Onboarding Plan
We create a detailed transition plan with timelines, responsibilities, and success metrics. You'll know exactly what to expect every step of the way.
What's Included in Your First 90 Days
- Complete Documentation
Full inventory of your systems, network diagram, password vault setup, and standardized procedures.
- Security Hardening
Multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, email security, and vulnerability remediation.
- Backup Verification
Comprehensive backup testing, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity documentation.
- Team Training
User training on security best practices, new systems, and how to work effectively with our support team.
- Strategic Planning
Technology roadmap aligned with your business goals, budget planning, and compliance guidance.
- 24/7 Support Activation
Full access to our U.S.-based support team, dedicated account manager, and proactive monitoring.
Typical Onboarding Timeline: 30-45 Days
Ready to Experience the Plus 1 Difference?
Whether you’re just starting your IT journey or looking to upgrade, we’re here to help you make the right decision for your business.
Still have questions? Check out our blog for more insights, or browse our pricing page for transparent service costs.
What Happens Next?
- You’ll speak with Marc Umstead, our CEO—not a salesperson
- We’ll discuss your specific challenges and goals (30-45 minutes)
- We’ll schedule a network assessment if you’d like to move forward
- You’ll receive a detailed proposal within 3-5 business days
- If we’re a good fit, we’ll create your custom onboarding plan