June 09, 2025
If you only talk to your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the point.
Technology isn't something you can just set up and forget about. 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 stay secure, efficient, and competitive.
The problem is, most business owners don't know what questions to ask.
So here's a cheat sheet. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer every quarter—no jargon, no vague answers, just clear information to keep your business running smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This isn't about ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus software current?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have we experienced any near misses or warning signs lately?
You're not being paranoid—you're being prepared.
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 method? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up the correct data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
You'd be surprised how many businesses assume they're backed up until disaster strikes.
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 behavior?
- Do employees need more phishing training?
- Is multifactor authentication enabled for everyone?
If your IT provider brings this up without being asked, that's a good sign they're on top of things.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow work and lost money. Ask:
- Are there recurring performance problems?
- Are we outgrowing our current hardware or software?
- Can anything be optimized to improve speed?
Even small improvements can make a big difference.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations evolve, and so do the rules for data protection. 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.
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 the end of its life?
- Are there upcoming projects we should plan 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 keep evolving. 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 other businesses our size doing that we're not?
- Are there new threats we should be aware of?
Falling behind doesn't just slow you down—it leaves you exposed. A great IT partner keeps you ahead, not catching up.
You Aren't Having These Conversations? That's A Red Flag
If your IT provider can't give clear answers to these questions—or worse, if they don't even offer to meet quarterly—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology moves fast. Cyber threats move faster.
You need someone who's not just fixing problems after they happen but actively preventing 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 817-277-1001 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
