The pandemic was unequally hard on the around 33 million U.S. small businesses. For businesses that invested in their IT infrastructure and e-commerce options, weathering the pandemic proved easier as consumers switched to online shopping.
For businesses with a minimal IT footprint and limited or no e-commerce options, the pandemic became a mad scramble to catch up. Of course, that also means that there are a lot of relative IT newcomers out there trying to figure out what they don’t have and what they need.
If you’re wondering if your business needs more help in the form of IT services, keep reading for five signs your business needs them.
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1. You Face IT Problems Regularly
A very strong sign that you need professional IT services is that you constantly face IT problems of one kind or another. Maybe your computers just run slow. Maybe your network bogs down all the time.
IT services can help you identify the sources of recurring problems, offer suggestions for fixing them, and provide basic IT maintenance.
2. Outdated Tech
A lot of small businesses end up running on outdated technology. The business owner often even realizes that the tech is outdated, but they don’t know what should replace that old tech.
For example, is your WiFi slow because of the service, the modem, or the router? Can you get by replacing one component or do you need upgrades on all of the components?
Pro IT help can identify which pieces of tech you can salvage, which should go, and options for upgrades.
3. You Security Is Weak
Digital security is an ongoing problem and threat for businesses. These days, small businesses often face more threats from cybercriminals than large companies with a lot of IT staff.
If you’re worried that your digital security won’t stand up to a real, dedicated effort by a cybercriminal, you need pro help.
4. Productivity Drops
Productivity can drop for a lot of reasons, but it is a telltale sign of IT problems. If programs take longer to load and need more time to perform the same functions, it adds up to a measurable productivity loss over time.
5. You’re not Set Up for a Disaster
Every small business should have a physical and digital disaster recovery plan in place. While the physical disaster recovery plan is mostly on you, professional IT services can help you set up and maintain a digital disaster recovery plan and process.
IT Services for Your Business
A can-do spirit is a blessing for a small business owner, but it can also prevent you from getting the IT services you need. You should keep an eye out for signs that you need pro help, such as constant IT problems.
Other signs that you may need more IT help include weak security, outdated tech, and a drop in productivity. If you don’t have a disaster recovery plan in place for your data, you definitely need third-party IT help.
Looking for more ways to keep your business IT current? Check out the posts in our Technology and Business categories.