Whether you are a business owner who writes lists and checks off the completed items or more of a in your head list keeper, you likely have a long list of to-dos. As a managed service provider, we know that many small businesses don’t always have their network, hardware and software quite the way they want it or the way it should be. To make it easy, we’ve put together a short to-do list for small businesses to help with security, efficiency, marketing and productivity.
1. Secure & Effective Wi-Fi Network
Do you, your staff or customers have trouble with your Wi-Fi in parts of your facility? It’s likely due to improperly configured or mis-placed equipment. If your Wi-Fi wasn’t designed by a professional, it’s likely not doing what it could be doing as far as speed and access. And, if you don’t have a secure network for your staff, and a separate one for your guests, you are putting your business at risk for viruses, malware, hacking and ransom.
2. Data Backup & Network Security
According to a recent survey by Coveware, 82% of ransomware attacks are on small businesses (which are businesses with fewer than 1000 employees). There are several ways you can, and should, protect your business.
- Update software when prompted
- Backup company data in the Cloud
- Install a firewall
- Insist on multi-factor identification and have a password policy in place
- Encrypt email
- Have a guest wi-fi network separate from your company’s network
All of these cybersecurity elements are small and simple things that your IT manager or managed service provider can handle. Depending on your business, they may have other recommendations as well.
3. Effective Communication
When your customers can’t reach whom they need to reach when they need to reach them, they go elsewhere. Having a phone system that reaches the team at their desk, home office or on the road in real time can make the difference between a new sale and a lost sale. Todays VoIP phone systems offer effective communications, not only between you and customers, but also between you and your team.
4. An Updated Website That’s Working for You
In today’s world, no matter what your business, you need a web presence. For most businesses, that means a website with information about goods and services, a bit about the owner, how they can be contacted and location. If you want to be found online, you also need it to be mobile responsive, include the elements necessary for the search engines to show you in relevant results and forms and buttons that work. If your website isn’t working for you, talk to a company who can redesign or update your website for it to be what you need it to be.
We Can Check All the Boxes
If you’re a growing small business or want to grow in 2023, you can’t do it all yourself. You have a lot on your plate from managing your team, developing new products or services, keeping up inventory, scheduling and more. Why add managing your own IT or website to your list when you can hire Toucan Technology Group to handle it all. As a managed service provider, we can take care of your IT checklist and provide you with solutions that improve your business’s efficiency. Call us today at (317) 376-4874 or fill out our contact form for your free initial consultation.
