· Updated · Richard Shuker · Strategy & leadership · 3 min read
You Went to Empower, Berlin. Now What?
You came back from N-able’s Empower in Berlin full of ideas – but are they already gathering dust? “Forward never stops” was the theme, but for most MSPs, forward momentum disappears the moment they’re back in the weeds. Here’s how to break the cycle and actually implement what you learned.
The hard truth about industry events: inspiration without implementation is just expensive procrastination, even when “forward never stops.”
Another event. Another flight. Another set of slick keynotes, breakout sessions, amazing conversations… and a notebook full of ideas.
Then Monday hits.
Your inbox is overflowing, the support queue’s backed up, a team member’s off sick, and your roadmap suddenly feels like a luxury. That game-changing idea you had in Berlin? It’s now somewhere between “I’ll do it later” and “What was that again?”
Sound familiar?
The Problem Isn’t the Event – it’s What Happens After
Let’s be clear: events like N-able’s Empower are incredibly valuable. You get access to vendor roadmaps, peer insights, strategic thinking, and a big-picture view of where the industry’s heading. You might even get a shot of motivation you didn’t know you needed.
But here’s the thing MSPs rarely say out loud:
You get home, and absolutely none of it gets implemented.
Why?
Because you go right back to firefighting. Your business is running you, not the other way around. You’re working in the business, not on it.
And all that value from the event? It dies in your notes.
Let’s Call It What It Is: A Cycle
You attend events to “step back” and get perspective.
You get that perspective – and some great ideas.
Then you step right back into the same whirlwind.
And because there’s no structure, no accountability, and no system for implementation, the ideas collect dust.
Breaking the Cycle: Inspiration is Only Step One
If you’ve just come back from Empower, you’ve got a window. A few days – maybe a week – before the buzz wears off and you’ve accepted that none of it is getting done.
So don’t let that happen.
Worse still? You beat yourself up about it. You want to work on the business. You know it’s what’s needed. But the daily reality doesn’t allow for it.
- Set one key action from the event you must implement in the next 30 days.
- Block time in your calendar now to work on it.
- Tell someone else about it – ideally a peer who will hold you to it.
- Or better yet… join a group that exists exactly to help with this.
At Adelvium, this is why we run advisory programs. Because we know the value isn’t just in what you learn, it’s in having the structure and support to do something with it.
Real Talk
Events without action are just expensive excuses.
If you’re serious about growth, you need more than motivation. You need execution, accountability, and space to work on your business, not just in it.
So if Empower sparked something? Don’t let it fade.
Let’s turn your ideas into outcomes.
In Summary
If you’re serious about growing your MSP, don’t do it in isolation.
At Adelvium, we’re proud to support MSPs who want to grow through community, accountability, and strategic focus. Whether it’s through structured peer groups or working with platforms like Network Group, we believe the future of MSPs is collaborative.
