June 09, 2025
If you only talk to your IT provider when it's time to renew your contract, you're missing the mark.
Technology isn't something you can just set up and forget. It's always changing, and so are the risks that come with it. That's why quarterly IT check-ins are 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 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 isn't just ticking boxes. You need to know:
- Is our antivirus current?
- Are there any unpatched systems?
- Have there been any near misses or warning signs recently?
You're not being paranoid—you're being ready.
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, hybrid?
- Are we backing up the right data?
- Is everything backed up and stored securely?
You'd be surprised how many businesses think they're backed up until disaster strikes.
3. Are All Employees Following Security Best Practices?
It only takes one person clicking the wrong link to compromise the whole network. Ask:
- Have there been any unusual logins or risky activities?
- Do we need more phishing training?
- Are employees using multifactor authentication?
Bonus points if your IT provider brings this up before you do. That means they're paying attention.
4. How Has Our Network Performance Been? Anything Slowing Us Down?
Slow systems mean slow teams and lost productivity. Ask:
- Are there any 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 change, and so do the rules about data storage and protection. Ask:
- Are we meeting industry standards?
- Have any requirements changed?
- Do we need to update policies, software, or training?
Noncompliance fines are 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 end of 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 evolve constantly. Ask:
- Are there new tools or best practices we're not using?
- Are we falling behind on security protocols or performance standards?
- What are similar businesses doing that we're not?
- Are there rising threats we need to watch out for?
Falling behind on trends doesn't just slow you down, it puts you at risk. 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, if they don't offer quarterly meetings—you might not be getting the support you need.
Technology changes fast. Cyber threats move even faster.
You need someone who isn't just fixing problems after they happen but actively preventing them before they do.
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 (419) 522-4001 to book your 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
