Success is never an accident. It’s built through determination, discipline, and a willingness to adapt when necessary. That was one of the key messages from NFL legend Emmitt Smith when he spoke at one of our past IT Sales & Marketing Boot Camps. His story—rooted in perseverance, learning from failure and embracing change—resonates deeply with business owners, especially MSPs looking to scale and overcome challenges in their journey.
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Whether you’re starting an MSP company or refining your MSP business plan, the principles of success remain the same. Here are the top takeaways from Emmitt’s powerful session.
The Power Of Vision And Commitment
From the time he was six years old, Emmitt Smith knew he wanted to play professional football for the Dallas Cowboys. That vision drove him to work hard and commit to his goal. In business, defining your long-term vision and staying committed is essential, even when the road gets tough. Just like in football, building a business requires a clear strategy. If you’re starting an MSP company, it’s crucial to have a well-structured MSP business plan that outlines your goals, services and revenue model. Without direction, success is nearly impossible. Staying focused on your vision, even when obstacles arise, is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who fall short.
Change Is Inevitable – Adapt Or Get Left Behind
Emmitt initially wanted to be a quarterback, but a coach recognized his true talent as a running back. Though he resisted at first, once he embraced the change, he found his true calling. In the business world, change is just as inevitable, and your ability to adapt determines your success. Whether it’s shifting from break-fix to managed services, adjusting pricing, or responding to market trends, being flexible is key.
It’s normal to have to pivot based on client needs, competition or emerging technologies—especially when you’re starting an MSP company. Many MSPs struggle when they hold onto outdated business models rather than evolving to meet the demands of the market. Instead of resisting change, look at it as an opportunity to improve, grow and better serve your customers.
Facing Fear And Overcoming Obstacles
At just 10 years old, Emmitt was forced to play against older, stronger kids. His first encounter with a much bigger opponent, Billy Spriggs, left him dazed and ready to quit. But instead of letting fear dictate his actions, he got back up and tried again—this time with a different approach. MSP owners face similar moments of hesitation, whether it’s making that first big sales pitch, raising prices or hiring new staff. The key is to face challenges head-on and adjust your strategy rather than retreat.
Fear should never be the reason you fail to take action. Expect setbacks when you’re starting an MSP company, but don’t let them stop you from moving forward. Learning to push past obstacles and rethink your approach is often what leads to breakthroughs and lasting success.
Surround Yourself With The Right People
One of the biggest factors in Emmitt’s success was the people around him. Coaches and mentors saw his strengths before he did, guided him through tough moments and held him accountable. In business, you need the same. Whether it’s a business coach, mastermind group or accountability partner, surrounding yourself with the right people can make the difference between stagnation and growth.
Having experienced professionals review your MSP business plan or can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate success. Seeking out mentors who have already been where you want to go will provide you with the wisdom and guidance you need to reach your goals faster. The right support system will challenge you to think bigger, stay accountable and push through obstacles that might otherwise slow you down.
Success Requires Repetition And Consistency
Emmitt’s training involved relentless drills, repeated over and over, until they became second nature. The same applies to running a successful MSP. Marketing, sales, service delivery—consistency is what builds expertise and results. When starting an MSP company, your long-term success will be determined by your ability to maintain steady lead generation, provide excellent customer service and streamline operational processes.
The most successful MSPs don’t stop marketing when they get busy—they keep refining their approach and expanding their reach. Keeping your efforts consistent will separate you from the competition and create sustainable growth. The businesses that grow the fastest aren’t necessarily the ones with the best services—they are the ones that show up consistently and execute their strategy every single day.
Final Thoughts
Emmitt Smith’s journey to becoming one of the greatest running backs of all time was not without its challenges, but his ability to adapt, overcome fear and stay committed to his vision is what set him apart. As an MSP owner, your journey is no different. Whether you’re scaling your business or starting an MSP company, success is built on resilience, adaptation and the willingness to keep going when things get tough.
If you’re serious about accelerating your MSP’s growth, having a strong MSP business plan is just the beginning. Surrounding yourself with the right people, staying consistent and embracing change will take you even further.
