June 09, 2025
If you're only contacting your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the mark.
Technology is not a "set it and forget it" aspect of your business. It's always changing, and so are the threats that come with it. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are essential if you want your business to remain protected, efficient, and competitive.
Here's the problem: 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 prepared to answer every quarter—no 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 know:
- Is our antivirus software current?
- Are there any systems that haven't been patched?
- Have there been any recent near misses 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 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?
It only takes one person clicking the wrong link to compromise the entire network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky behaviors?
- Do we need another round of phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up before you do—that shows they're vigilant.
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 speed things up?
Even small improvements can have a big impact.
5. Are We Still Compliant?
Regulations change, and so do the requirements 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 being proactive. Ask:
- Are any software licenses expiring soon?
- Is any equipment nearing the end of its lifespan?
- Are there upcoming projects we should prepare 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 never stand still. Ask your IT provider:
- Are there new tools or best practices we haven't adopted yet?
- Are we falling behind in any security measures or performance standards?
- What are other businesses our size doing that we're not?
- Are there emerging threats we should be more aware of?
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 give clear answers to these questions—or worse, doesn't suggest quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support your business needs.
Technology evolves quickly. Cyber threats evolve even faster.
You need someone who's not just fixing problems after they happen but actively working to prevent them.
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 888-624-7383 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
