Key Takeaway: The peer group works because it solves a problem unique to business owners: the absence of peers who understand the specific challenges of running the business. The MSP owner who participates in a well-run peer group has access to the collective experience of dozens of other owners who have faced similar challenges. That access is worth more than most formal training programs.
The MSP owner who is trying to figure everything out alone is working harder than necessary. The managed services industry has a robust ecosystem of peer groups, communities, and associations that exist specifically to help MSP owners learn from each other, avoid common mistakes, and build the relationships that accelerate growth. The MSP owner who participates in these communities consistently outperforms the one who does not.
This guide covers the major MSP peer groups and communities, what each offers, and how to evaluate whether the investment of time and money is worth it for your specific situation.
Why Peer Groups Work
The peer group works because it solves a problem that is unique to business owners: the absence of peers who understand the specific challenges of running the business. The MSP owner who wants to talk through a difficult client situation, a pricing decision, or a hiring challenge cannot have that conversation with their employees, their clients, or most of their personal network. They need someone who has faced the same situation and can speak from experience.
The peer group provides that conversation. The MSP owner who participates in a well-run peer group has access to the collective experience of dozens of other owners who have faced similar challenges. That access is worth more than most formal training programs, because it is specific, practical, and immediately applicable.
The Major MSP Peer Groups and Communities
HTG Peer Groups (now part of CompTIA). HTG is one of the oldest and most established MSP peer group programs. Groups of 10 to 15 non-competing MSPs meet quarterly to share financial benchmarks, operational best practices, and strategic advice. The HTG model is structured and data-driven: members share financial data, which allows the group to benchmark performance against peers and identify specific areas for improvement. The investment is significant, typically $5,000 to $10,000 per year, but the members who engage fully consistently report significant returns on that investment.
ASCII Group. ASCII is a membership organization for MSPs that provides access to vendor discounts, educational resources, and peer networking. The ASCII model is less structured than HTG, with more emphasis on vendor relationships and less on peer accountability. The membership cost is lower, typically $1,000 to $3,000 per year, which makes it accessible to smaller MSPs. ASCII is a good starting point for MSPs that are not yet ready for the commitment of a structured peer group.
CompTIA Communities. CompTIA, the IT industry association, runs several community programs for MSPs, including the Managed Services Community and the IT Security Community. These communities provide access to research, educational resources, and peer networking at a lower cost than structured peer groups. CompTIA membership starts at a few hundred dollars per year and provides access to a broad network of IT professionals.
Informal peer groups. Many MSP owners form informal peer groups with non-competing MSPs in their market or in their vertical. These groups meet monthly or quarterly, share challenges and solutions, and provide the accountability that formal peer groups offer at a lower cost. The informal peer group requires more initiative to organize and maintain, but it can be highly effective when the right participants are involved.
Online communities. Reddit’s r/MSP and r/smallMSP communities provide access to a large, active community of MSP owners and technicians who share advice, answer questions, and discuss industry trends. These communities are free and accessible, but the quality of advice varies significantly. They are most useful for specific tactical questions and less useful for the strategic conversations that structured peer groups facilitate.
How to Evaluate a Peer Group
The peer group that is right for one MSP may not be right for another. The evaluation should consider four factors.
The composition of the group. The most valuable peer groups are composed of MSPs that are similar in size, market, and stage of development. The MSP with $500K in revenue will not get as much value from a group of $5M MSPs as they will from a group of peers at a similar stage. Ask about the size and revenue range of the other members before committing.
The structure and accountability. The peer group that meets quarterly and shares financial data produces different outcomes than the one that meets monthly for casual conversation. The more structured the group, the more accountability it creates, and the more value it typically delivers. Ask about the meeting format, the data sharing requirements, and the accountability mechanisms before committing.
The facilitator quality. The quality of the facilitator determines the quality of the conversation. A skilled facilitator keeps the group focused, draws out the quieter members, and ensures that every meeting produces actionable insights. Ask about the facilitator’s background and experience before committing.
The time and financial investment. Peer groups require a significant investment of both time and money. The MSP owner who joins a peer group and does not engage fully will not get the value. Be honest about whether you have the time and the financial resources to participate fully before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a peer group?
Start with the organizations listed above: HTG, ASCII, and CompTIA all have programs that can connect you with peer groups. You can also ask other MSP owners in your network whether they participate in peer groups and whether their group has openings. The MSP community is generally generous with referrals to peer groups that have been valuable.
What should I share in a peer group?
The peer group is only as valuable as the honesty of its members. Share the real challenges, not the polished version. The MSP owner who presents only their successes in a peer group is not getting the value of the group. The one who shares the difficult client situation, the pricing mistake, or the hiring failure is getting the feedback that actually improves the business.
About Brent Lacy: Brent Lacy is a technology advisor and the voice behind Rewired MSP. He is the author of Rewired MSP: Mastery, Scalability & Performance, vCIO Rewired: Virtually Conquering IT Obstacles, and Near Miss: Preventable IT Failures Threatening Your Business Security.
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