If you're only communicating with your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the mark.
Technology is not something you can just set up and forget about. It's always changing, and so are the risks that come with it. That's why having quarterly IT check-ins is essential if you want your business to remain 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 prepared to answer every quarter—no jargon, no vague answers, just clear information that helps keep your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This goes beyond ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus software current?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have there been any recent warnings or close calls?
You're not being overly cautious—you're being ready.
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 approach? Off-site, cloud, hybrid?
- Are we backing up the right data?
- Is the backup data stored securely?
Many businesses assume they're backed up—until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It only takes one person clicking a bad link to compromise the whole network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky actions?
- 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 vigilant.
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 rules. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any compliance requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines can be costly. Stay ahead to avoid penalties.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT is proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses about to expire?
- Is any equipment nearing end-of-life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should prepare for?
This helps you avoid surprise costs and plan effectively.
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 on security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there new threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down; it puts you at risk. A great 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, doesn't offer to meet with you quarterly—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology evolves quickly. Cyber threats evolve faster.
You need someone who doesn't just fix problems after they happen but works proactively to stop them before they start.
We offer a FREE 15-Minute 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 816-256-2595 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
