June 09, 2025
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 set and forget in your business. It's always changing, along with the threats that come with it. That's why having quarterly IT check-ins is essential if you want to keep your business safe, efficient, and competitive.
The problem is, most business owners don't know what questions to ask.
So today, here's a cheat sheet. These are the questions your IT provider should be ready to answer every quarter—no jargon, no vague promises, just clear answers that help your business run smoothly.
1. Are There Any Vulnerabilities We Need To Address Right Now?
This goes beyond ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have we experienced any close calls or warning signs recently?
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 full restore test?
- Are we using the right backup approach? Off-site, cloud, or hybrid?
- Are we backing up the correct data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
Many businesses believe they're backed up until they find out they're not.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
One wrong click by an employee can compromise the entire network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky activities?
- Should we schedule another round of phishing training?
- Is multifactor authentication in use by all employees?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up before you do—that shows they're paying attention.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams and lost productivity (and money). Ask:
- Are there recurring performance problems?
- Are we outgrowing our current hardware or software?
- Can anything be optimized to improve speed?
Even small adjustments can have a big impact.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations evolve, as do rules for data storage and protection. Ask:
- Are we meeting the industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines are costly. Stay ahead of them.
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 expenses and budget smartly.
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:
- Are there new tools or best practices we haven't adopted yet?
- Are we falling behind in security protocols or performance standards?
- What are other businesses our size doing that we're not?
- Are there emerging threats we need to watch out for?
Falling behind on trends 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? Red Flag
If your IT provider can't clearly answer these questions—or worse, doesn't suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology evolves fast. Cyber threats evolve even faster.
You need someone who doesn't just fix problems after they happen but works actively 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 404-719-5222 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
