Tech Support Nightmares: 5 Mistakes SMBs Make Before Calling for Help (And How to Avoid Them)
May 14
2 min read
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Let’s set the scene. It’s 4:45 PM on a Friday. Your Wi-Fi is down, your point-of-sale system is throwing error codes in a language only robots understand, and Janet from accounting just clicked a link that promised her a free cruise. You call your tech support person, and their first question is: "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"
Sound familiar?
Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often operate with lean teams, big ambitions, and tech systems held together with digital duct tape. Here are the top five avoidable mistakes we see SMBs make before calling for help—and how to save your business (and your weekend) from turning into an IT horror story.
1. No Documentation. Anywhere.
If your passwords live on a sticky note and only Steve knows how to reboot the system, you’re one spilled coffee away from chaos.
Fix: Create a basic documentation hub. Store logins, settings, and instructions in a secure password manager or digital SOP. Bonus: this makes onboarding new team members way easier.
2. Ignoring the "Update Available" Notification
Yes, we know it pops up at the worst times. But ignoring updates (especially security patches) is like refusing to lock your front door because it's inconvenient.
Fix: Automate updates wherever possible. Schedule regular maintenance windows and give employees a heads-up so they don't panic when Slack reboots.
3. Treating Tech Like a Toaster
You can’t just plug it in and expect it to work forever. Tech systems need care, maintenance, and the occasional overhaul.
Fix: Budget for tech upgrades and support. Build your IT into your business plan, not just your emergencies.
4. Not Asking for Help Early Enough
The longer you wait to call for help, the messier (and more expensive) it gets. That weird warning message from three weeks ago? Yeah, it's back, and it's brought friends.
Fix: Don’t be shy. If something looks off, say something. Good IT support is proactive, not just reactive.
5. Thinking "Cybersecurity" Is for Bigger Businesses
Spoiler alert: It’s not. In fact, SMBs are prime targets because hackers know your defenses are likely weaker.
Fix: Start with the basics—multi-factor authentication, password policies, and cybersecurity training for staff. Layer in more as you grow.
Final Thought: Your business isn’t too small for smart tech strategy. These common pitfalls don’t make you a bad boss—just a busy one. Let’s make sure your Friday afternoons don’t become tech support nightmares.
