March 17, 2025
Imagine arriving at work with your team, ready to take on the day's challenges, only to find the Internet down, emails non-functional, and productivity halted. What would you do? For many businesses, when the Internet fails, operations come to a standstill, leading to significant losses in productivity and revenue. Consider the MGM data breach from this summer: electronic room keys malfunctioned, casinos were forced to close, and online restaurant bookings were unavailable. This downtime cost MGM millions.
However, downtime is just one way inadequate IT support can hinder your business. Add in ongoing issues like forgotten passwords, malware attacks, or difficulties accessing shared files, and you'll see a growing mountain of inefficiencies.
Too often, business owners pay hefty fees for IT support that struggles with even the most basic problems. These so-called "IT experts," who promise top-tier service at low prices, frequently spend more time idly waiting for you to report issues than proactively addressing them.
You shouldn't have to endure tech-related frustrations and reactive IT support that only intervenes after problems arise. It's time to seek better solutions and prevent tech issues before they occur.
To assist you, we've developed a checklist of essential standards that your network manager should adhere to. Evaluate how your current provider measures up:
- Do they answer calls live and respond to emergencies within minutes? In a crisis, you can't afford to be on hold or leave voicemails.
- Are they easy to contact and responsive for non-emergencies, providing replies within an hour? Routine tech problems shouldn't leave your team in a bind.
- Do they proactively monitor, patch, and update your network's critical security settings? If you're uncertain about the frequency of these updates, you may be at risk.
- Do they provide proof that all your data is backed up, including that from laptops and devices? A reliable IT provider ensures everything is accounted for.
- Do they meet with you at least quarterly to discuss projects, performance, and improvements? Excellent IT support not only resolves issues but also helps you strategize for the future.
- Are their invoices transparent, clearly explaining what you are paying for? Nobody appreciates unexpected charges, particularly in billing.
- Do they communicate in straightforward language rather than technical jargon, taking the time to address your questions? You shouldn't need a translator to understand your IT provider.
- Do they proactively address cybersecurity, suggest solutions, and offer employee training? Cybersecurity is essential, and staff education is a key defensive measure.
- Have they provided you with comprehensive network documentation, including admin passwords? If they are withholding critical information, it's a significant concern.
- Do their technicians arrive punctually, dress professionally, and instill confidence after every interaction? Professionalism is important; if you feel uneasy every time you call, it may be time to reconsider.
Bonus Points: Is Your IT Provider Going the Extra Mile?
- Do they conduct regular disaster recovery drills to ensure your backups function correctly? A backup is worthless if it fails when you need it most.
- 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, so should your defenses.
- Do they monitor and optimize your network's performance to avert bottlenecks and downtime? Efficiency is crucial in today's competitive environment.
Time to Elevate Expectations
If your current IT provider fails to meet these criteria, you may be paying for inadequate service, which could endanger your business. From security risks to diminished productivity, poor IT support is not just an inconvenience; it's a liability.
Don't settle for anything less than a partner who is committed to 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 (336) 443-0061 to get started.
Let's make tech problems a thing of
the past.
