March 17, 2025
Imagine you and your team arrive at work ready to tackle the day's tasks when suddenly the Internet fails, emails stop functioning, and productivity comes to a standstill. What would your response be? For many businesses, when the Internet goes down, operations cease, resulting in significant losses in productivity and sales. Recall the MGM data breach from the summer: electronic room keys malfunctioned, casinos were forced to shut down, and online restaurant reservations became unavailable. This downtime cost MGM millions.
However, downtime is just one way inadequate IT support can hinder your business. Add persistent issues such as forgotten passwords, malware infections, or difficulties accessing shared files, and the resulting inefficiencies can feel overwhelming.
Business owners frequently find themselves spending substantial amounts on IT support that struggles to address even the simplest problems. These so-called "IT experts," who claim to offer top-notch service at low prices, often end up doing little more than waiting for you to report issues instead of proactively resolving them.
You shouldn't have to endure tech frustrations and reactive IT support that only reacts after problems arise. It's time to seek better solutions and prevent tech issues before they escalate.
To assist you, we've put together a checklist of essential standards that any network manager should uphold. Evaluate how your current provider stacks up:
- Do they answer calls live and respond to emergencies within minutes? In a crisis, being on hold or leaving messages is not an option.
- Are they easily reachable and responsive for non-emergencies, with replies within an hour? Regular tech issues shouldn't leave your team in uncertainty.
- Do they actively monitor, patch, and update your network's critical security settings? If you're not sure how frequently this is done, you might be at risk.
- Do 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.
- Are their invoices transparent about what you're paying for? Unexpected charges can be frustrating, especially regarding billing.
- Do they communicate in clear language rather than technical jargon and take the time to answer your questions? You shouldn't need a translator to understand your IT provider.
- Do they proactively address cybersecurity, recommend solutions, and offer employee training? Cybersecurity is essential, and educating employees is a crucial defense layer.
- Have they given you complete network documentation, including admin passwords? If they control critical access without transparency, that's a significant concern.
- Do their technicians arrive punctually, dress professionally, and leave you feeling confident after each interaction? Professionalism matters; if you feel uneasy every time you contact them, it may be time to find a new provider.
Bonus Points: Is Your IT Provider Exceeding Expectations?
- Do they conduct regular disaster recovery drills to ensure your backups are functional? A backup is ineffective if it fails when you most need it.
- Are they assisting you in planning for scalable growth with technology that adapts to your business? The right IT partner ensures your systems evolve with your company.
- Do they provide advanced cybersecurity tools, such as endpoint detection and AI-driven monitoring? As cyber threats evolve, 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 fails to meet these standards, you may be receiving inadequate service, which could jeopardize your business. From security risks to decreased productivity, poor IT support is more than just an inconvenience; it's a liability.
Don't settle for less than a partner who prioritizes the success of your business.
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 252-240-3399 to get started.
Let's make tech problems a thing of
the past.
