How Business Owners Can Eliminate Costly Tech Problems Immediately

Imagine you and your team arriving at work, ready to take on the day's challenges, only to face an unexpected internet outage. Emails stop functioning, and productivity comes to a standstill. What would your response be? For many businesses, a sudden loss of internet connectivity can halt operations, leading to significant financial losses in productivity and sales. Take, for example, the MGM data breach that occurred over the summer: electronic room keys failed, casinos were forced to shut down, and online restaurant reservations became unavailable, costing MGM millions.

Downtime is just one way inadequate IT support can hinder your business. When you add in ongoing issues like forgotten passwords, malware infections, or difficulties accessing shared files, the resulting inefficiencies can feel overwhelming.

Business owners frequently find themselves spending large sums on IT support that struggles to address even the most basic problems. These so-called "IT experts," who promise exceptional service at low prices, often end up being reactive rather than proactive, waiting for you to inform them of issues instead of identifying and resolving them on their own.

You shouldn't have to endure tech troubles and reactive IT support that only appears after problems arise. It's time to seek better solutions and prevent tech issues before they occur.

To assist you, we've put together a checklist of essential standards that anyone managing your network should fulfill. Evaluate how your current provider measures up:

• Do they answer their phone live and respond to emergencies within a specified timeframe? In a crisis, waiting on hold or leaving voicemails is not an option.
• Are they accessible and responsive for non-emergency issues, providing replies within an hour? Everyday tech challenges shouldn't leave your team in a state of uncertainty.
• Do they proactively monitor, patch, and update your network's critical security settings? If you're not sure whether this occurs regularly, you may be at risk.
• Can they provide proof that all your data, including laptops and devices, is being backed up? A reliable IT provider ensures nothing is overlooked.
• Do they meet with you at least quarterly to discuss projects, performance, and improvements? Effective IT support not only addresses problems but also aids in future planning.
• Do their invoices clearly outline what you're being charged for? Nobody appreciates unexpected charges, especially regarding billing.
• Do they communicate in straightforward language rather than technical jargon and take the time to address your inquiries? You shouldn't need a translator to understand your IT provider.
• Do they proactively address cybersecurity, suggest solutions, and offer employee training? Cybersecurity is essential, and employee education is a key defensive measure.
• Have they provided you with complete network documentation, including administrative passwords? If they are withholding critical information, that's a significant red flag.
• Do their technicians arrive punctually, present themselves professionally, and leave you feeling confident after each interaction? Professionalism is important; if you feel uneasy every time you contact them, it may be time for a change.

Bonus Points: Is Your IT Provider Exceeding Expectations?

Do they conduct regular disaster recovery drills to verify that your backups function correctly? A backup is ineffective if it fails when you need it most.

Are they assisting you in planning for scalable growth with technology that adapts alongside your business? The right IT partner ensures your systems can expand with your company.

Do they offer advanced cybersecurity tools, such as endpoint detection and AI-driven monitoring? Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and your protection should keep pace.

Do they monitor and optimize your network's performance to avoid bottlenecks and downtime? Efficiency is crucial in today's competitive environment.

Time To Raise The Bar

If your current IT provider doesn't meet these criteria, you may be paying for inadequate service, which could jeopardize your business. From security risks to reduced productivity, poor IT support is more than just a nuisance; it's a liability.

Don't settle for anything less than a partner who prioritizes your business's success.

Schedule a free Discovery Call today to see how we can eliminate your tech headaches and ensure your business runs smoothly. Click here to schedule now or call us at (802) 331-1900 to get started.

Let's make tech problems a thing of the past.