Small Business IT Support
As a seasoned professional shaped in the early days of DOS, long before Google.com existed, I have seen firsthand how American business owners and managers have frequently misunderstood the true purpose of IT. Small business Outsourced IT support is a critical element to success in today’s business environment.
As a passionate history enthusiast captivated by the profound legacy of the European settlers who shaped the United States, I often reflect on when we began to lose sight of what truly made America great. When did we forget that our remarkable industrial strength was pivotal in turning the tide of World War II? Have we overlooked the hard work and innovation that forged the prosperity many Americans now take for granted?
Practiced Business Philosophies
Now that you know a bit about me, let’s focus on you and your business. Since becoming an entrepreneur in 2005 and earning an education in Business Management, Computer Science, Information Security, Leadership, and a degree in Integrative Studies that incorporated all of these; I have identified three core philosophies that most business owners and managers embrace today:
- Don’t spend a dime on anything not absolutely necessary, and horde all the cash you can.
- Make decisions solely based on your financials and what your accountant(s) tell you. (income – expenses = net income)
- Invest wisely in technology that streamlines and automates the organization, creates efficiency, increases productivity, naturally decreases operating costs, eases growth pains, increases security, protects assets, etc.
The first philosophy is embodied by the business owner, who is undoubtedly your most demanding customer. They frequently complain about everything and resist your attempts to help them increase their profitability. They either misunderstand economics or prioritize their own interests above all else. Regardless of the reason, they fail to see the bigger picture – Opportunity Cost.
The second philosophy is fascinating. In my view, business is primarily about generating profit, not fixating on avoiding expenses. While this mindset might bring short-term benefits, it often leads to long-term losses. This is something anyone with a firm grasp of Economics can easily understand as Opportunity Cost.
The third philosophy was embraced by our esteemed founders and forefathers. Confronted with a severe labor shortage, they were driven to find innovative methods to achieve greater results with fewer workers. This urgent challenge inspired the creation of tools and inventions unlike anything seen before. European trading companies were continually impressed by the ingenuity of these pioneers. As Albert Einstein wisely stated, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
Opportunity Cost
Opportunity cost is what you give up when you choose one option over another.
👉 “What am I giving up by doing this?”
That’s how you avoid:
- Wasting time
- Making poor investments
- Missing growth opportunities
🧠 Real-World Example (Small Business)
Let’s say you have $5,000 to spend.
Option A:
Upgrade your office computers
Option B:
Run a marketing campaign
If you choose Option B, the opportunity cost is: 👉 the increased productivity and efficiencies of having fast, responsive computers.
However if profit margins are tight, the increases in revenue as a result of the marketing will likely pay for the new computers. Making the decision to invest in marketing first the smart decision.
What Happens When You Don’t Invest in Technology?
I often meet small business owners who have built thriving companies generating multi-million-dollar revenues each year. Many have done so without putting in place proper checks and balances, controls, policies, or procedures. I’ve heard countless stories of employees embezzling funds, customers stealing, and other breaches of trust. What always surprises me is how these incidents are often blamed on others. As the great President Ronald Reagan wisely said, “Trust, but verify.”
In business, trust is crucial—whether with vendors, employees, vendors, or subcontractors. You must believe they will act ethically, morally, and legally. However, trust should never mean ignoring the risks. Only a fool trusts without verification.
Many business owners and managers often feel frustrated when competitors charge much less, wondering how they manage to do so. The answer is clear: efficiency, Absolute Advantage, and/or Competitive Advantage. Payroll usually represents the largest expense and liability for any business. By significantly reducing dependence on employees, companies can substantially lower operating costs. These reduced costs enable more competitive pricing, which ultimately results in a larger market share. It’s simple arithmetic.
So What Is The Answer?
- Solid small business IT support from a firm that aligns their success to your success
- A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system
- Fast, responsive, quality computers and server(s)
- A fast, secure network that leverages a Fortinet Small Business Firewall
- A business VoIP phone system with a fully customizable cloud phone server
A CRM system is the backbone of your business when properly implemented. Without a CRM, your business is likely riddled with revenue gaps that are difficult to manage, resulting in lost revenue and missed opportunities. Regardless of the industry, every business needs a powerful CRM used exactly as intended. Modern CRMs often feature modules for inventory control, tracking, procurement, and QuickBooks® integration. After all, how else can you effectively detect if someone you trust is stealing your products or money?
Many modern CRM programs are celebrated for optimizing operations, automating workflows, protecting data, simplifying processes, and significantly increasing the profitability of companies that fully embrace them.
If your accountant or bookkeeper says you don’t need a CRM, that’s a clear sign you actually do—and it might be time to find a new accountant or bookkeeper.
Having an independent accounting firm periodically audit your books is crucial. This guarantees full transparency and helps safeguard against any potential embezzlement.
Investing substantially in the right technology is essential. Banks dedicate approximately 20% of their gross income to Information Technology and Information Security, highlighting their recognition of its critical importance.
Investing in security is essential, no matter the size of your firm.
For a free consultation, please call us at (678) 606-0018 or fill out our contact form: https://www.24x7protectit.com/contact/
We will contact you to schedule an appointment and explore how we can help your business leverage technology for greater success!
I hope you found this article informational and helpful.
Paul J. Chrisco
Information Technology Professional
