Our Training Academy Curriculum
Session 1: Role, Goal, and Impact
In this session, we will set the stage for what is expected of a vCIO and the role they play in organically growing business. Session 1 topics include:
The Role and Responsibility of a vCIO
The Essential Attributes of a Successful vCIO
vCIO Objectives, Approach, and Focus
The vCIO as a Business Development Vehicle
The Importance of the vCIO in Client Business Improvement and Retention
The Office of the vCIO - a Team Approach
Session 2: Discovery, Business Objectives, and Client Impact
In this session, we will focus on the correct approaches to understanding a client's business objectives and motivators. Session 2 topics include:
Client Discovery and Assessment Framework
Identification of Client Business Objectives and Strategic Intentions
Understanding Client Business Models, Economic Drivers, and Key Metrics
Quantify Client Risk Tolerance, Cybersecurity Readiness, and BC / DR Plan
Development of vCIO Strategy to Align, Improve, and Measure Impact
Building Business Value Leveraging Revenue Resilience Approaches
Delivering Business Outcomes and becoming the Client’s Trail Guide
Session 3: Technology Roadmap, Budget, and Recommendations
In this session, the participant is introduced to the value and importance of presenting and linking recommendations to the client's strategic business intentions. Session 3 topics include:
Introducing vCIO Toolbox and its Importance in Driving Consistent Business Reviews
Creating Technology Roadmaps and Connecting it to Business Objectives
Outlining Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Business Continuity Readiness
Technology Budgeting, Prioritization, and Technology Portfolio Allocation
Framing Alignment of MSP Technology Stack and IT Estate Readiness
Delivering Recommendations, Linkages, Measurements, and Improvements
Session 4: Maximizing Quarterly Business Review (QBR) Impact
In this session, we look at the approaches that will make your Quarterly Business Reviews memorable and cause the client to act on your recommendations. Session 4 topics include:
Setting the Agenda to Review High-Impact Initiatives and Roadmap Progress
Tie-back IT Actions to the Clients Strategic Intentions and Objectives
Highlight Results, Show Return, and Drive Impactful Initiatives
The Power of vCIO Toolbox and why it is the Foundation of Client QBRs
The Value of Follow-up, Brevity, Clear Next Steps, and obtaining Client Buy-in
Session 5: vCIO as your Ultimate Business Development Engine
In this session, we focus on and stress the importance of ensuring your vCIO Program becomes your most reliable and productive business development platform. Session 5 topics include:
The Role of the vCIO in Sales and Business Development
Leverage Client Risk Profile to Increase Cybersecurity Infrastructure Buildouts
High Impact Improvements via Re-allocating IT Estate Portfolio Funding
Highlight Stack Alignment Progress with Client Business Improvement
Improve Processes, Workflows, and Tracking through Automation
How to Move from Provider to Trusted Trail Guide
vCIO Program Capstone
The purpose of the vCIO Growth Academy Capstone assignment is to ensure participants have cemented their understanding of the program's key concepts, approaches, and learnings. The Capstone ensures the candidate can execute and deliver on the vCIO mission. The Capstone vCIO Client Meeting Video deliverable includes:
The Participant describes the Role and Importance of the vCIO Program to their Clientele
The Participant leverages the Discovery and Assessment Framework to capture the Clients Business Model and Key Initiatives
The Participant presents 5 - 7 Questions to unearth the target Clients Business Objectives and Strategic Business Intent
The Participant Performs a 10-minute Cybersecurity and Risk Whiteboard Session.
The Participant Presents the Client's Technology Roadmap based on information uncovered from the activities outlined above
The Participant wraps-up the session by Presenting the Recommendations and linking them to the Clients Business Objectives and Strategy
vCIO Growth Coaching
The purpose of the vCIO Growth Academy Coaching Sessions is to ensure Continual Learning happens and that the Program Participant gets real-time input on their vCIO performance.
This is achieved by actively participating in three (3) Client Introductory or QBRs within 30 days of the participant delivering their Capstone. The high-level activities associated with the active vCIO Growth Coaching Sessions include:
Participation in three (3) Client Introductory or QBRs where a vCIO Growth SME joins the meetings virtually to monitor the dynamics and flow of the Client Sessions
Performing an In-depth Coaching Session following each of the interactions described above to Unpack the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly to ensure the Participant improves performance and focuses upon deficiencies noted
Participation in vCIO Growth's Monthly Online Community Meeting where fellow vCIO Growth Participants share areas that they need help with or share lessons learned as they run into new challenges within their Client Portfolio