March 17, 2025
Imagine you and your team arrive at work, ready to tackle the day's tasks, when suddenly the Internet goes down, emails stop functioning, and productivity comes to a standstill. What would you do? For many businesses, when the "Internet goes down," operations halt, leading to significant losses in productivity and sales. Recall the MGM data breach over the summer: electronic room keys failed, casinos shut down, and online restaurant reservations became unavailable, costing MGM millions.
However, downtime is just one way inadequate IT support can hinder your business. Add persistent issues like forgotten passwords, malware infections, or difficulties accessing shared files, and the resulting inefficiencies can become overwhelming.
Business owners often find themselves paying high prices for IT support that struggles with even the simplest problems. These so-called "IT experts," who promise top-notch service at low rates, frequently spend more time idle than actively addressing issues, waiting for you to point out what's broken.
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 prevent tech issues before they occur.
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 minutes? In a crisis, waiting on hold or leaving voicemails isn't acceptable.
- Are they easily reachable and responsive for non-emergencies, with responses within an hour? Everyday tech issues shouldn't leave your team in limbo.
- Do they proactively monitor, patch, and update your network's critical security settings? If you're unsure whether this happens daily, weekly, or at all, you may be at risk.
- Do they provide proof that all your data is backed up, including laptops and devices? A reliable IT provider ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
- Do they meet with you at least quarterly to review projects, performance, and improvements? Excellent IT support doesn't just fix problems; it helps you plan for the future.
- Do their invoices clearly outline what you're paying for? No one appreciates surprises, especially regarding billing.
- Do they communicate in plain language, avoiding "geek-speak," and take the time to answer your questions? You shouldn't need a translator to understand your IT provider.
- Do they proactively discuss cybersecurity, recommend solutions, and offer employee training? Cybersecurity is essential, and employee education is a vital defense layer.
- Have they provided you with complete network documentation, including admin passwords? If they're withholding critical information, it's a significant red flag.
- Do their technicians arrive on time, dress professionally, and leave you feeling confident after every interaction? Professionalism is crucial; if you feel uneasy every time you call, it may be time to find a new provider.
Bonus Points: Is Your IT Provider Going Above And Beyond?
- Do they conduct regular disaster recovery drills to ensure your backups work? A backup is ineffective if it fails when you need it most.
- Are they helping you plan for scalable growth with technology that evolves with your business? 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 protection should adapt as well.
- Do they track 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 standards, you may be paying for 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 15-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 951-742-8020 to get started.
Let's make tech problems a thing of
the past.
