Best of the ISP-Lists

Where Are the Good Jobs?

The ISP-Consulting list discusses how to find a good ISP — to work for. The answer is all about survival.

[March 21, 2000]

On the ISP-Consulting list in February, AP posted a question that is of interest to everyone involved with ISPs:

"In your experience, do ISP's come and go or do they stay put, provided they offer quality services and tech support. Seems there are new ones popping up daily and I'm concerned about my future as an ISP salesman. Thanks for the replys. . . Now, part two of the question. When the ISPs are purchased by bigger ones, do they clean house or retain the staff?"

The question concerning retaining staff elicited a number of responses:

[AS wrote] "Sales staff is often the only thing they keep, at least short-term. They don't want sales people clearing out the customer base."

[BB noted] "It depends on the team, its track record, the track record of the former management, the management of the new owners, and whether the new boss had a good breakfast."

[TJ opined] "If the sales person is really good and has great relationships with the corporate customers then it would be foolish to let them go. There would be the risk of the sales person taking the client to another ISP or worse, doubling the size of the competition without taking any customers. People who are good and able to add value to the business are usually rewarded and encouraged to stay and continue their work."

[KG spoke from experience] "I work for an ISP that has purchased six small- to medium-size ISPs in the last 18 months. Sorry to say it, but any sales person familiar with the industry can sell a product, so there is little advantage to retaining a sales force from a purchased company when we already have a sales force."

As to ISP longevity, one respondent outlined a trend he'd identified:

[PK wrote] "Usually, small ones come and go, medium ones get bought buy big ones, big ones stay and get bigger buy buying up small and medium ones. It's not always the case but seems to be the trend now days."

All agreed that an ISP that has survived is good to work for:

[R advised] "The good ones last or get purchased. Try to look for ones that have been incorporated for a decent amount of time — 2 to 3 years or more."

[TJ wrote] "It isn't always about being the biggest ISP, but rather the best or at least a good solid ISP. High quality ISPs that know what they are doing and have good backing with solid management people and skills last. The key is good network design, good customer service, quality Internet service, and a management team that knows what they are doing and has investors or banks willing to support them through the beginning and through growth in expansions and new markets. In almost every city, you'll find the good ISPs have been around for years. It's the guys looking to get rich quick off this 'new-fangled Internet thing' that don't last."

—End