12 Small Business IT Goals for Your 2023 New Year's Resolutions

3. Upgrade your hardware

If you’ve been using the same computer or phone for a few years, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. Upgrading your hardware can improve performance and efficiency, and it’s a good opportunity to get rid of any old or unused devices.

When shopping for new hardware, consider the following:

• Processor speed: A faster processor can improve the speed at which your device can complete tasks.
• Memory: More memory (also known as RAM) can also improve speed and allow you to run more programs at once.
• Storage: If you have a lot of data, you may need a device with more storage. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are generally faster than traditional hard drives, but they may have less storage capacity.
• Compatibility: Make sure any new hardware is compatible with your existing software and devices.

4. Test your disaster recovery plan

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can strike at any time. It’s important to have a plan in place to minimize disruption to your business. Test your disaster recovery plan to make sure it’s still effective and make any necessary updates.

A good disaster recovery plan should include:

• An assessment of your business’s vulnerabilities
• A list of critical functions that need to be restored
• Steps for backing up and restoring data
• Communication and relocation plans for employees
• A list of important contact information, such as for suppliers and customers

5. Review your internet and phone service

Do you have a reliable internet connection and business phone service? If not, it’s worth shopping around for a better provider. Poor internet and phone service can be frustrating for both employees and customers, so it’s worth investing in a quality service.

When evaluating internet and phone service providers, consider:

• Speed: Make sure the provider can offer a fast-enough connection for your needs.
• Reliability: Look for providers with a track record of uptime and minimal disruptions.
• Customer service: It’s important to have a provider that is responsive and helpful when you have an issue.
• Cost: Make sure the provider’s fees are competitive and fit your budget.

6. Some tips for upgrading your software

Outdated software can be slow and prone to security vulnerabilities. Make sure to keep all of your software up-to-date, including your operating system and any business-specific software you use.

Some tips for keeping your software up-to-date include:

• Enabling automatic updates: Many software programs have the option to automatically update to the latest version. Enable this feature to ensure you always have the latest version.
• Checking for updates manually: If you don’t have automatic updates enabled, make sure to check for updates regularly. This is especially important for security updates.
• Using professional patch management services: MSPs can help ensure that your software and systems are always up to date and secure by handling the process of installing patches and updates for you, freeing up your time and resources to focus on other aspects of your business. Additionally, MSPs can provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that your systems remain secure and compliant.
• Evaluating your software needs: As your business grows and changes, you may find that you no longer need certain software or that you could benefit from new tools. Take some time to evaluate your software needs and make any necessary updates.

7. Declutter your digital files

Digital clutter can slow down your computer and make it harder to find important documents. Take some time to declutter your digital files, deleting any unnecessary files and organizing the rest into relevant folders.

To declutter your digital files:

• Go through your files and delete any that are no longer needed, such as old drafts or duplicate files.
• Create a folder structure that makes sense for your business. For example, you might have a folder for each client or project, with subfolders for different types of documents.
• Use tags or keywords to make it easier to find specific files.
• Consider using a file management tool, such as Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, which can help you organize and search for files.

8. Secure remote access

If you or your employees work remotely, it’s important to secure remote access to your business’s systems. This can include using virtual private networks (VPNs) and strong passwords. Again, we cannot stress the importance of the roll cyber security needs to take in planning your small business IT goals.

Other steps you can take to secure remote access include:

• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) to require an additional layer of security beyond a password
• Use strong and unique passwords, and consider using a password manager to store and manage them
• Enable firewalls to block unauthorized access and protect against cyber threats
• Regularly update software and security protocols to ensure that all devices and systems are secure and up-to-date with the latest software and security patches
• Educate employees on best practices for remote work security, including the importance of strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and the proper handling of sensitive data
• Implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access certain systems and data
• Consider using security tools such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor for and prevent security breaches
• Regularly monitor and assess the security of remote access systems to identify and address any vulnerabilities
• Use a zero-trust approach to security, which treats all connections as untrusted and requires authentication and authorization for every action and access request. This can help prevent unauthorized access to data and systems, even if an attacker manages to compromise a device or network.

9. Review your website

Is your website up-to-date and visually appealing? If not, it’s time to make some changes. A modern, well-designed website can help attract customers and improve your business’s reputation.

Some things to consider when reviewing your website include:

• Design: Does your website have a cohesive look and feel? Is it visually appealing?
• Functionality: Is your website easy to navigate? Can visitors find the information they need easily?
• Mobile responsiveness: With more and more people accessing the internet on their phones, it’s important to make sure your website is mobile-friendly.
• Content: Is your content up-to-date and relevant? Consider adding new pages or updating existing pages to keep your website fresh.

Importance of Reviewing Your Website as Part of Setting Small Business IT Goals:

• First impression:
  • Your website is often the first point of contact that potential customers have with your business. It is the online face of your company, and it is essential that it presents a professional and accurate representation of your brand.
  • A poorly designed or out-of-date website can give a negative impression and drive potential customers away. By regularly reviewing and updating your website, you can ensure that it is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and up-to-date.
• Identify issues:
  • A review of your website can help you identify any technical issues or problems that may be hindering its performance. This can include issues such as slow loading times, broken links, or outdated content.
  • By identifying and addressing these issues, you can improve the user experience of your website and ensure that it is functioning optimally.
• Improve website:
  • In addition to identifying and addressing technical issues, a review of your website can help you identify opportunities for improvement in terms of design, layout, and content.
  • By setting specific goals to improve your website and implementing strategies to achieve those goals, you can increase its functionality, user experience, and overall effectiveness as a marketing and sales tool.
• Align with business goals:
  • Your website should be aligned with your overall business goals and strategies. By regularly reviewing your website, you can ensure that it is effectively communicating the value of your products or services to your target audience and helping to achieve your business objectives.
  • A review of your website can also help you identify any areas where your website is not aligned with your business goals and make necessary adjustments.
• Communicate value:
  • Your website is a key tool for communicating the value of your products or services to your target audience. By reviewing your website, you can ensure that it is effectively conveying the benefits of your products or services and highlighting the unique features that set your business apart from competitors.
  • A well-designed and well-written website can be an invaluable tool for generating leads and driving sales, so it is important to ensure that it is effectively communicating the value of your products or services to potential customers.

10. Invest in training

Keep your employees up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices by investing in training. As part of employee training, make sure to have all employees enrolled in cyber security awareness training, it will teach them critical security skills they must have in order to avoid malware such as ransomware, keeping your business safe. This can include in-person workshops or cloud based online courses.

Some benefits of employee training include:

• Improved efficiency: Employees who are trained on the latest tools and techniques can work more efficiently.
• Increased productivity: Training can help employees learn new skills, which can lead to increased productivity.
• Better customer service: Employees who are knowledgeable about your products and services can provide better customer service.
• Higher retention: Investing in employee training can help improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Improved network security: security awareness training will greatly improve employees ability to recognize and avoid scams or cyber threats, which can help protect the company’s assets and data

11. Consider managed IT services

If you don’t have an in-house IT team or if your team is stretched thin, consider hiring a managed IT service provider. They can handle day-to-day IT tasks, such as monitoring your systems and troubleshooting issues, freeing up your team to focus on other areas of the business.

Some benefits of using managed IT services include:

• Expertise: Managed IT service providers have teams of trained professionals who can handle a wide range of IT tasks.
• Cost-effectiveness: Hiring a managed IT service provider can be more cost-effective than building an in-house IT team.
• Scalability: You can scale your IT support up or down as needed, depending on your business’s needs.
• Proactive support: Managed IT service providers can monitor your systems and identify potential issues before they become problems. This is invaluable to any small business.

12. Create an IT budget

Finally, make sure to allocate a budget for IT expenses. This can include hardware and software upgrades, training, and managed IT services. Having a budget in place will ensure that you have the resources to keep your technology running smoothly.

To create an IT budget, consider the following:

• Your business’s current and future IT needs
• Any potential IT projects or upgrades
• The costs of in-house IT staff versus managed IT services
• The cost of training and professional development
• Any recurring costs, such as software subscriptions or maintenance fees

How Partnering with Managed IT Professionals Can Help with Your Business IT Goals

If you want to ensure that your small business’s IT is running smoothly and efficiently, consider partnering with a managed IT service provider like Managed IT Professionals. Our team of experienced professionals can handle all of your IT needs, freeing up your time and resources to focus on other areas of your business.

What exactly does a managed IT service provider do?

Essentially, we act as an extension of your in-house IT team, providing a wide range of services to keep your technology running smoothly. This can include:

• Cybersecurity: Cyberattacks can be devastating for small businesses, resulting in lost data, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Managed IT service providers can help protect your business by installing antivirus software, creating strong passwords, and training employees on how to spot phishing scams. We can also enable two-factor authentication, install firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and conduct regular security audits.
• Data backup: Data loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as hardware failure or cyberattacks. Managed IT service providers can help you regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage, and we can test your backups regularly to ensure they are working properly and that you can access your data in the event of an emergency.
• Hardware and software upgrades: If you’ve been using the same computer or phone for a few years, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. Managed IT service providers can help you determine when it’s time to upgrade and assist with the process. We can also help you keep all of your software up-to-date, including your operating system and any business-specific software you use.
• Business phone systems: A good business phone system is essential for effective communication within a company and with clients. It allows employees to stay connected and collaborate, and it provides a professional and reliable means for clients to contact the business.
• Website review: Is your website up-to-date and visually appealing? If not, a managed IT service provider can help you make changes. We can review your website’s design, functionality, mobile responsiveness, and content, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Training: Keep your employees up-to-date on the latest technology and best practices by investing in training. Managed IT service providers can provide in-person workshops or online courses to help your employees stay current.
• And much more: These are just a few examples of the services that a managed IT service provider can offer. Other services might include disaster recovery planning, internet and phone service review, and IT budget creation.

Some benefits of partnering with Managed IT Professionals include:

Setting and regularly reviewing business IT goals is very important the long term success of any business.  It is something that should at the very least be reviewed once a year and there is no better time to do it than now.

Explore Your Options for a Secure & More Reliable Network

Managed IT Professionals can help ensure safe, efficient and reliable network operation throughout your business IT environment.  We can provide your business with a FREE Network Assessment to help you fully optimize your network environment and cybersecurity, solve your IT challenges and monitor and manage every endpoint throughout your organization with our next-generation proactive system management & monitoring technology. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out what Managed IT Professionals can do for your business! Call (201) 300-3825, or schedule a free consultation.