Modes Framework

We’ve designed this page to help you understand and benefit from the Modes Theory framework. It includes these resources:

1. Overview of Modes Theory
2. Modes Theory Resources
3. Key Questions
4. Modes Theory Partner Profile Videos
5. Next Steps
6. Resources to Help You Succeed

Startup Mode: How Robert Moore built his company

• Full interview with Robert Moore (42:08)
• Control growth without sacrificing customer service (3:35)
• Robert's compass (1:54)
• Build the right foundation (3:29)

• Full interview with Nate Freeman (15:23)
• Value Builder or Balance Builder (1:23)
• How Evolve Peer Groups help Balance Builders (1:15)
• How ConnectWise can engage during Evolve and IT Nation Connect (1:37)
• Understanding the importance of the Partner's Team (1:02)
• Partners share how company can profit (0:50)
• Great Culture helps retention (0:45)
• Growing by adding divisions and why ConnectWise should be aware (2:04)
• Benefits of honest cohort calls and engaging with leaders (1:32)
• The importance of becoming financially conversant (2:03)
• Balance Builders – High quality of life and growing business their way (2:38)
• Nate’s Next Chapter and how he gets there (1:43)

Balance Builder Mode: How Anne and Keith Schoolcraft built their company

• Full interview with Anne and Keith Schoolcraft (47:36)
• Is there another path? (1:05)
• Navigating marriage, family, and business (3:33)
• Is M&A for everyone? (1:42)
• What's most important? (1:49)
   

Value Builder Mode: How Dave Shaffer and Jim Kehres built their company

• Full interview with Dave Shaffer and Jim Kehres (59:55)
• Building an IT business as part of a regional CPA firm (6:09)
• Sales and Marketing (2:57)
• Embracing owner-led sales (2:36)
• Blazing a new trail (2:30)
• Exiting and starting new (2:30)
• Building value in the company (3:46)
• Exploring a merger (5:31)
• Getting the house in order (4:39)
• Journey from Start Up to Value Builder to Empire Builder (3:40)
  
  

Empire Builder Mode: How Mike Williams built his company

• Full interview with Mike Williams (38:34)
• Bringing solutions to SMBs (0:43)
• Eat or be eaten (1:06)
• Innovating for faster acquisition (1:01)
• Scale from boutique to national (0:54)
• Importance of velocity (1:14)
  
  

Modes Transitions and Insights: Buddy Martin explains how his company progressed through multiple Modes

• Full Interview with Buddy Martin (36:29)
• Balance Builder (1:33)
• Transitioning from Balance Builder to Value Builder (3:10)
• Key factors for Value Builders (1:25)
• Questions to ask when transitioning from Value Builder to Empire Builder (3:08)
• How Entech’s team views becoming an Empire Builder (2:36)
• How ConnectWise can help the Empire Builder when going through M&A (1:22)
• The importance Evolve peers have in the Partner Journey (1:29)
• Predicting where Entech might be in 5 years as a Value Builder vs an Empire Builder (4:02)
• Importance of identifying which Mode a partner is in (1:54)
  

Modes Transitions and Insights: Kevin Blake explains how his company progressed through multiple Modes

• Full interview with Kevin Blake (40:12)
• Startup - employee to owner (1:37)
• Timely advice (2:30)
• Evolve - impacting Kevin and his company (3:42)
• Value Builder Mode (2:10)
• Sales organization challenge (2:26)
• Allowing others to succeed (2:30)
• Designing 'his' deal with P&E (2:51)
• Lessons learned along the journey (2:17)

• Full interview with Tony Miller (42:29)

There are two main options to start:

1. Self-Guided Journey. Use these resources and the assessment report in a self-service approach to your journey as a business and within the ConnectWise ecosystem.
2. Guided Journey. Let us help teach what we've learned working with partners. We'll match you up with the right colleagues, share our tools and frameworks, and provide decision support going forward.

The next step is to decide to start. Here are key activities to help you take the next step and maximize your value:

1. Understand your Modes Theory Assessment.
2. Discuss the results with your partners, teams, and peers.
3. Plan IT Nation activities for you and your team through 2022.
   1. Conferences (ITN Connect, Explore, Secure)
   2. Community Groups (Share and Meetups)
   3. Evolve Peer Groups (Owners, Service Executives, M&A, CFO, other)
   4. Leadership Development (University, other resources)  
4. Investigate opportunities with Service Leadership Inc.'s SLIQ and Report Bundles.
5. Consider sharing parts of your Assessment with ConnectWise colleagues to improve understanding and guidance related to your Mode.

Resources To Help You Succeed

Available Now

• Modes Theory Assessment
• Modes Theory resources
• Modes Theory Partner videos (showcasing all Modes)
• Service Leadership SLIQ and Report Bundles
• IT Nation Evolve (designed for all Modes)
  
• ITN Share Groups (designed for all Modes)
  
• IT Nation Connect, Explore, and Secure Events (designed for all Modes)
• ConnectWise Partner Program for Cybersecurity
• IT Nation Certify Cybersecurity Training
• University Partner Kits: Security, Operational Maturity, Mergers & Acquisitions
  

• Modes Webinars and University content
• Engage with ConnectWise Account Managers
• Engage with ConnectWise Business Consultants
• Engage with ConnectWise Partner Success Managers
• Align with Strategic Planning Methodologies (EOS, StratOp, Strategyzer)