Chicago offers countless opportunities for MSPs to connect with local organizations, expand their network, and uncover new clients. This checklist will help you create a strategic plan to engage with chambers, councils, and tech incubators. It will help you turn local connections into business growth.
Join other area MSPs for networking and education at the ChannelPro LIVE: Chicago event on April 1-2, 2025. Get details here.
#1: Identify Key Local Resources
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Chambers of Commerce
- Research membership benefits and events offered by groups like the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
- Use chamber directories to identify potential clients in your target industries.
- First Step: Attend a mixer or luncheon to introduce yourself and your MSP’s services.
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Tech Incubators and Councils
- Explore opportunities at organizations like 1871 Chicago and mHUB for partnerships or workshops.
- First Step: Schedule a meeting with a program coordinator to learn how your MSP can get involved.
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Industry-specific Associations
- Look into associations like the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or Illinois Technology Association.
- First Step: Join a relevant association and commit to attending at least one event per quarter.
#2: Build Relationships Through Participation
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Attend Networking Events
- Attend at least one chamber or council event per month to build your presence.
- Bring marketing materials — such as business cards and brochures — tailored to the audience.
- Why It’s Important: Frequent attendance establishes trust and ensures your MSP is top of mind when other members need IT solutions.
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Volunteer or Sponsor
- Offer to sponsor a chamber event or provide IT services for a nonprofit initiative.
- Why It’s Important: Sponsorship increases visibility while demonstrating your commitment to the local community.
#3: Leverage Local Organizations for Visibility
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Host Educational Workshops
- Partner with local organizations to present on topics like cybersecurity or disaster recovery.
- Why It’s Important: Showcasing your expertise builds trust and positions your MSP as a thought leader.
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Distribute Co-branded Content
- Work with councils or chambers to create co-branded guides or newsletters targeting local businesses.
- Why It’s Important: Joint ventures with trusted local organizations amplify your reach and credibility.
#4: Develop Referral and Partnership Opportunities
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Create Referral Agreements
- Establish partnerships with Small Business Development Councils (SBDCs) or tech incubators to receive client referrals for IT projects.
- Why It’s Important: Referrals from respected organizations can fast-track client acquisition.
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Collaborate with Local Vendors
- Partner with complementary businesses — such as managed print services or software providers — to expand your offerings.
- Why It’s Important: Partnerships can lead to shared leads and enhanced service portfolios.
#5: Measure Your Engagement Success
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Track Networking ROI
- Record how many leads or client conversions come from local networking efforts.
- Why It’s Important: Understanding the ROI helps refine your strategy and focus on the most effective opportunities.
- Survey Your Team
- Gather feedback from your team about which events or organizations provided the best connections.
- Why It’s Important: Insights from your team can guide future resource investments and participation decisions.
Summary and Next Steps
A strong local networking plan can drive business growth and strengthen your MSP’s reputation in Chicago. Start by identifying key organizations to join, then commit to attending events and building partnerships. Over time, your active engagement with local resources will position your MSP as a trusted, community-focused business partner.
Your next step is to attend an upcoming chamber or council event, and consider volunteering or sponsoring to establish your presence further. With consistent effort, your local connections will become a cornerstone of your MSP’s success.
See more articles for Illinois MSPs here >>>>>
ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
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