Why Getting Named an "MSPInfluencer" Actually Matters for Your Business

Here's something I've noticed about the tech industry: there's no shortage of awards, certifications, and "best of" lists floating around. So when I heard that Net Friends—Durham-based IT provider—grabbed the 2026 ForzaDash MSPInfluencer MSP 555 Award for the second year running, my first thought wasn't "oh, another trophy." It was "okay, what did they actually do differently this time?"

And honestly? That's the right question to ask.

What Makes This Award Actually Mean Something

The MSP 555 isn't your typical popularity contest or pay-to-play recognition. This award specifically celebrates managed service providers that have moved beyond just "keeping the lights on" for their clients. We're talking about providers who've achieved serious growth, built genuinely innovative processes, and—perhaps most importantly—created client relationships that stick.

When I look at the criteria, it becomes clear why this matters. A 97% client retention rate combined with 35% growth in the client base? That's the kind of math that tells me these people aren't just surviving in the MSP space—they're thriving in it. Those two numbers are actually hard to achieve simultaneously. Growth often comes at the expense of service quality, which hurts retention. When you can do both? That's a signal that something special is happening operationally.

The Automation and Process Investment Angle

What caught my eye in the announcement was the mention of "investments in automation and process." See, here's the thing about managed service providers—anyone can technically call themselves an MSP. The barrier to entry is surprisingly low. But the difference between a provider that's just reactively fixing problems and one that's proactively preventing them often comes down to how much they've invested in their own backend systems.

When an MSP builds out robust automation, they're essentially multiplying their expertise. Instead of a technician manually checking each client's systems, automation can catch issues before they become disasters. Instead of spending hours on routine tasks, your IT team can focus on strategic initiatives that actually move your business forward.

Net Friends specifically got credit for being willing to share what they've learned with peers. I love this part because it suggests they're not just hoarding best practices for competitive advantage—they're helping elevate the entire industry. That's the kind of thinking that suggests long-term thinking over short-term games.

What This Means For Triangle Businesses

If you're a business in the Raleigh-Durham area (or really anywhere Net Friends serves), this award should give you confidence that you're working with a provider that's earned recognition from industry peers. But beyond the feel-good aspect, here's the practical takeaway: providers winning awards like this tend to attract top talent.

The best IT professionals have options. They can work anywhere. When a company keeps stacking up recognitions like the MSP 555, the SOC 2 Type II certification (which they've held for seven straight years), and the Channel Futures MSP 501 ranking, it signals to potential employees that this is a place where excellence is rewarded and expected.

That talent concentration translates directly to better service for clients. Plain and simple.

The "MSPInfluencer" Label Explained

The "Influencer" part of the award title isn't about social media followers—it's about influence within the MSP community. These are providers that other MSPs look to for guidance, process templates, and strategic direction. Being an "influencer" in this context means your operational playbook is considered worth studying and emulating.

That's a big deal because it means Net Friends isn't just executing well for their own clients—they're helping shape how the entire managed services model evolves. For their clients, this means you're getting practices and thinking that are ahead of the curve, not just caught up with it.

Looking Ahead

CEO John Snyder hit the nail on the head with his quote about technology serving people rather than the reverse. It's a simple philosophy, but you'd be surprised how many IT providers lose sight of it. They get excited about the newest tools, the flashiest solutions, the most complex architectures—and forget that the point is to help businesses operate more effectively.

The fact that Net Friends is "shaping the conversation across the industry" with this philosophy tells me they're playing a long game. They're not chasing trends; they're building a culture.

For businesses still on the fence about working with an MSP or wondering if their current provider is the right fit, awards like the MSP 555 offer one data point among many. They're not everything—execution matters day-to-day—but they're meaningful signals that you're dealing with a provider that's earned respect from people who know this industry inside and out.

And in a world full of IT providers making grand promises, that kind of third-party validation goes a long way.

Tags: ['managed it services', 'msp awards', 'business technology', 'triangle nc tech', 'it provider selection', 'cybersecurity', 'business growth']