Hiring an “IT guy” (or team) is supposed to give you peace of mind. They’re the ones making sure your technology runs smoothly, your data is secure, and your business doesn’t grind to a halt when something breaks. But here’s the question most business owners don’t ask until it’s too late:
How do you know if your IT person is actually doing their job?
Many businesses assume “no news is good news” when it comes to IT, but the truth is, sometimes silence means neglect. Here are some clear signs to help you determine if your IT provider is truly protecting your business or if you’re at risk.
1. Problems Keep Popping Up
If the same issues keep reappearing, like slow computers, email outages, printer problems, or Wi-Fi dropping, it’s a red flag. A good IT provider doesn’t just slap a temporary band-aid on your problems. They fix root causes so you can focus on running your business, not troubleshooting the same issue every week.
Ask yourself: Are my IT issues recurring, or do they get resolved for good?
2. You Rarely Hear From Them
IT isn’t just about showing up when something breaks. A proactive IT provider regularly communicates updates, performs system checks, and lets you know about potential risks before they become disasters.
If months go by and the only time you hear from your IT person is when you call them in a panic, they’re not being proactive. They’re being reactive.
3. Security Updates Are Consistently Applied
Cybersecurity is a non-negotiable part of IT today. Your IT provider should be:
Keeping your systems and software updated
Monitoring for threats
Managing firewalls and backups
Running regular security checks
If you’ve never been briefed on these things, or worse, your IT person can’t explain what measures are in place, you’re flying blind.
4. They Can Explain Things Clearly
Not everyone speaks “tech,” and that’s okay. But your IT support should be able to explain what they’re doing in plain English. If your IT person dodges questions, uses confusing jargon, or makes you feel like you’re being a bother for asking, it’s a sign they may not have full control or don’t respect your role as the business owner.
5. You Have a Recovery Plan in Place
Every business is at risk of downtime, whether from a cyberattack, power outage, or even human error. A good IT provider will have already created a disaster recovery plan so your business can bounce back quickly.
If your IT person can’t tell you how fast they could get you back up and running after a breach or crash, you need to start asking questions.
6. Your Team Feels Supported
Your employees are often the best indicator of whether your IT support is effective. If they roll their eyes when you mention “call IT” or complain that it takes forever to get help, your IT provider is probably dropping the ball.
7. You Can See the Results
Ultimately, good IT should feel invisible. Your technology should just work. But at the same time, you should see evidence—reports, updates, audits—that show your IT provider is actively maintaining and improving your systems.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: If you’re not sure whether your IT guy is doing their job, that uncertainty alone is a problem.
A reliable IT partner keeps you informed, prevents issues before they happen, and gives you confidence that your business is protected. If you can’t confidently say your IT support is doing all of the above, it may be time to re-evaluate who you’re trusting with your technology.
