March 17, 2025
Imagine you and your team arrive at work, ready to tackle your tasks, only to find that the Internet is down, emails are inaccessible, and productivity comes to a standstill. What would your response be? For many businesses, a loss of Internet connectivity can halt operations, leading to significant losses in productivity and sales. Consider the MGM data breach from this past summer: electronic room keys failed, casinos were forced to shut down, and online restaurant reservations became unavailable, costing MGM millions.
However, downtime is just one aspect of how inadequate IT support can hinder your business. Add in ongoing frustrations such as forgotten passwords, malware issues, and difficulties accessing shared files, and the inefficiencies can quickly pile up.
Business owners often find themselves paying hefty fees for IT support that struggles to resolve even the simplest issues. These so-called "IT experts," who promise top-notch service at low prices, frequently spend more time idling than actively addressing problems, waiting for you to inform them of issues.
You shouldn't have to endure tech frustrations and reactive IT support that only responds after problems arise. It's time to demand better and proactively address tech issues before they escalate.
To assist you, we've developed a checklist of essential standards that anyone managing your network should meet. Evaluate how your current provider measures up:
- Do they answer their phone live and respond to emergencies within a specified timeframe? In a crisis, being put on hold or leaving voicemails is not acceptable.
- Are they accessible and responsive for non-emergencies, providing responses within an hour? Routine tech problems shouldn't leave your team in limbo.
- Do they actively monitor, patch, and update your network's critical security settings? If you're uncertain about how frequently this occurs, you may be at risk.
- Do they provide evidence that all your data is being backed up, including laptops and devices? A reliable IT provider ensures that nothing is overlooked.
- Do they meet with you at least quarterly to discuss projects, performance, and improvements? Exceptional IT support not only addresses issues but also helps you plan for the future.
- Do their invoices clearly outline what you're being charged for? No one appreciates unexpected charges, especially regarding billing.
- Do they explain their actions in straightforward language, avoiding technical jargon, and take the time to address your inquiries? You shouldn't need a translator to comprehend your IT provider.
- Do they proactively engage in discussions about cybersecurity, recommend solutions, and provide employee training? Cybersecurity is essential, and educating employees is a critical layer of defense.
- Have they given you complete network documentation, including administrative passwords? If they are withholding critical information, it's a significant red flag.
- Do their technicians arrive punctually, dress professionally, and leave you feeling confident after each interaction? Professionalism is crucial; if every call makes you uneasy, it may be time to reconsider.
Bonus Points: Is Your IT Provider Going Above and Beyond?
- Do they conduct regular disaster recovery drills to ensure 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 as your business evolves? The right IT partner ensures your systems grow alongside your company.
- Do they offer advanced cybersecurity tools, such as endpoint detection and AI-driven monitoring? Cyber threats are constantly changing, and your defenses should evolve accordingly.
- Do they monitor and optimize your network's performance to prevent 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 receiving inadequate service, which could jeopardize your business. From security risks to lost productivity, poor IT support is more than just an inconvenience; it's a liability.
Don't settle for anything less than a partner who prioritizes your business's success.
Schedule a free 10-Minute 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 419-678-2083 to get started.
Let's make tech problems a thing of
the past.
