June 09, 2025
If you only talk to your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the mark.
Technology isn't something you set up once and forget about. It's always changing, and so are the risks that come with it. That's why meeting with your IT provider every quarter is essential if you want your business to stay secure, efficient, and competitive.
The problem is, most business owners don't know what questions to ask.
So here's a simple guide. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer each quarter—no jargon, no vague answers, just clear information that keeps your business running well.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This isn't just ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have we experienced any close calls or warning signs recently?
You're not being paranoid; you're being prepared.
2. What's The Status Of Our Backups? And Have You Tested Them Lately?
Backups are like seat belts—you don't think about them until you really need them. Ask:
- When was the last full restore test?
- Are we using the best backup method? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up all the right data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
Many businesses assume they're backed up until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One wrong click can bring down the entire network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky behavior?
- Do we need more phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
If your IT provider brings this up before you do, that's a good sign they're on top of things.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams and lost productivity. Ask:
- Are there recurring performance problems?
- Are we outgrowing our current hardware or software?
- Can anything be optimized to speed things up?
Even small improvements can have a big impact.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations change, and so do data protection requirements. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any rules or requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines can be costly, so stay ahead of them.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT planning is proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses about to expire?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its lifecycle?
- Are there upcoming projects we should prepare for?
This helps avoid surprise costs and keeps your budget on track.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats evolve constantly. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we aren't using yet?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there emerging threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down; it exposes you to risk. A strong IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't give clear answers to these questions—or worse, if they don't even suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology moves fast. Cyber threats move faster.
You need someone who isn't just fixing problems after they happen but actively working to stop them before they start.
We offer a FREE Discovery Call to help business
owners like you get a clear view of their tech setup - what's working, what's
not and how to fix it before it turns into a problem.
Click here or give us a call at (802) 331-1900 to book your Discovery Call today!
