June 09, 2025
If you're only contacting your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the point.
Technology is not something you can just set up and forget. It's always changing, and so are the risks involved. 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 technical jargon, no vague promises, just clear answers that keep your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This goes beyond ticking boxes. You need to find out:
- Is our antivirus software current?
- Are there systems that haven't been patched?
- Have we had any recent close calls or warning signs?
You're not being paranoid; you're being proactive.
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 time a full restore was tested?
- Are we using the right backup approach? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up the right data?
- Is everything backed up and 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 the wrong link to compromise the entire network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky behavior?
- Do we need another round of phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up first—that means they're paying attention.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams, which means lost productivity and money. 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 make a big difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations evolve, and so do the rules for storing and protecting data. 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 of them.
6. What Should We Be Budgeting For Next Quarter?
Good IT is about planning ahead. Ask:
- Are any software licenses expiring soon?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should prepare for?
This helps avoid surprise costs and keeps your budget on track.
7. What Trends In IT Or Cybersecurity Are We Behind On That Are Making Us Slower Or More Vulnerable?
Technology and cyber threats never stand still. Ask your IT provider:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using yet?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we aren't?
- Are there emerging threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down; it leaves you exposed. A strong 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 want to meet with you quarterly—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology evolves quickly. Cyber threats move even faster.
You need someone who isn't just fixing problems after they happen but actively working to prevent them in the first place.
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 (336) 443-0061 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
