Converting opportunity from BOS to a Managed Service with same client?

[northernladuk]

I've asked my accountant but they are refusing to take any more calls from me at present.

So... friends, forumites and countrymen, lend me your ears...

Has anyone managed to convert a bum on seat engagement in to a Manage Service offering? I'm aware the agent could be a problem but I've got options here so park that one for now. Anyone care to share a quick summary of the situation? I don't think there is any point asking any questions as every situation will be too different so more interested in an overview of how it went, particularly around billing and rates.

Maybe also if you've managed to change a clients mind from a BoS to MS prior to engagement? There are different hoops doing it pre to post engagement but interested to hear if you've done it.

[billybiro]

I've asked my accountant but they are refusing to take any more calls from me at present.

So... friends, forumites and countrymen, lend me your ears...

Has anyone managed to convert a bum on seat engagement in to a Manage Service offering? I'm aware the agent could be a problem but I've got options here so park that one for now. Anyone care to share a quick summary of the situation? I don't think there is any point asking any questions as every situation will be too different so more interested in an overview of how it went, particularly around billing and rates.

Maybe also if you've managed to change a clients mind from a BoS to MS prior to engagement? There are different hoops doing it pre to post engagement but interested to hear if you've done it.

• FFS
• Have you tried searching?
• AYSYCOTBAC?
• Phone In Sick?
• What does your contract say?
• All of the above?

[northernladuk]

• FFS
• Have you tried searching?
• AYSYCOTBAC?
• Phone In Sick?
• What does your contract say?
• All of the above?

Great input.. want another beer?

BTW you got the Phone in Sick one wrong. It's PC that says that. I only put it to pay homage to his professionalism.

[oracleslave]

I'm not sure how I see it being any different to a consultancy type model where you agree things like:

SLA's to respond, fix
Details around maintenance schedules
What will be done proactively to manage / monitor i.e. what do they get for their monthly fee?
If there is "project work" over and above the standard managed service - what rate for that.
You could also offer a use it or lose it type number of fixed "project days" per month for ad hoc work over and above the managed service fee.

I think we need more details on your plan or areas of specific concern?

[northernladuk]

I'm not sure how I see it being any different to a consultancy type model where you agree things like:

SLA's to respond, fix
Details around maintenance schedules
What will be done proactively to manage / monitor i.e. what do they get for their monthly fee?
If there is "project work" over and above the standard managed service - what rate for that.
You could also offer a use it or lose it type number of fixed "project days" per month for ad hoc work over and above the managed service fee.

I think we need more details on your plan or areas of specific concern?

Hmm, I'm thinking more about the wrapper for these services. Different procurement as a supplier rather than a contractor, extra duties above an beyond delivering what schedule says. About providing an encompassing solution to the client rather than just the services as before. The solution includes other staff not just myself as a consultant. Effectively taking one of the client functions they are struggling with and delivering it back without the associated complexity.

I am thinking now that it's not the type of question I can ask in such a generic post without going in to the detail.

[Platypus]

I've asked my accountant but they are refusing to take any more calls from me at present.

You need a Freeagent Accountant... You also then have accountant at the other end of the phone ... for advice and the like. There are also a number of us that haven't had a problem with the remote specialists.

Crumbs.

[northernladuk]

Crumbs.

<sigh>

[oracleslave]

Effectively taking one of the client functions they are struggling with and delivering it back without the associated complexity.

You're off-shoring your colleagues aren't you

[northernladuk]

You're off-shoring your colleagues aren't you

Be rude not to surely?

[WordIsBond]

I am thinking now that it's not the type of question I can ask in such a generic post without going in to the detail.

nice change