5 Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make and How You Can Avoid Them
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of small businesses. Small businesses support local economies across the county. From job creation to generating revenue, small businesses are invaluable. But the problem is, small businesses typically focus energy, time and resources on running their businesses and don’t have the time or energy to monitor their daily technology needs, changes innovations and threats. This can lead to a variety of problems for any organization, no matter the size.
Top 5 mistakes we see being made by small businesses and our advice on how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Weak Tech Support
Small businesses may have one quasi support technician who they can sometimes rely on for minor issues. Oftentimes, these consultants are moonlighting or providing this service on the side. Or, they make the mistake of using big box electronic stores whose technicians are inexperienced or still learning the business. This can cause a variety of problems including unexpected downtime, unreliable applications, and slow response times.
Solution
You wouldn’t hire a car mechanic to repair your roof, nor would you hire a roofer to fix your plumbing. The same concept should apply to your IT. By hiring a professional, you’ll work with someone who possesses significant experience and knowledge. As a result, your issues will be resolved faster and done right the first time. An added benefit is that the more they serve your organization, the better they understand your business and can guide you toward strategic IT investments.
For small businesses looking for managed IT services near me, partnering with a trusted provider like Louisville Geek can offer consistent, professional support designed to grow with your business.
Mistake 2: You Have Old, Inconsistent Hardware
Would you board a plane that was 3 years past its maintenance cycle? The same thing could be said about your computers and servers—the devices you use daily and store all your critical data on. Old hardware and software often lack security updates, especially once vendors stop supporting them. Without regular updates and patching, your network becomes vulnerable to well-known exploits.
Solution
By working with a reputable technology vendor (like Louisville Geek), we ensure your organization deploys consistent, high-quality hardware and software to maximize your technology investments. The old saying “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to technology.
Mistake 3: Inadequate Power Protection
This is a detail many small businesses overlook, but the impact can be significant. Frequent power surges and brownouts quietly reduce the lifespan of your tech hardware. And most power strips? They don’t offer real protection.
Solution
We recommend deploying high-quality surge suppressors and replacing them every 2–3 years. For critical equipment, battery backups with line conditioning are a wise investment to keep you running smoothly and protected.
Mistake 4: Undocumented Software
Many businesses don’t realize they don’t “own” their software—they license it. Others rely on outdated or pirated versions installed years ago by someone who no longer works there. This can create major headaches.
Example
One of our clients needed to transfer QuickBooks to a new PC for their CFO. During the migration, no one could locate the license key. What should have been a simple task took weeks to resolve due to undocumented software.
Solution
Always purchase software from reputable vendors, and keep licenses, product keys, and installation media organized and accessible.
Mistake 5: Weak Security
Many small businesses think they’re too small to be targeted by hackers. That’s a dangerous assumption. In fact, small businesses are often a prime target because they tend to have weaker defenses. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of small businesses close within six months of a cyber-attack.
Solution
Recognize that no matter how small your business is, you’re a target. Louisville Geek offers robust cybersecurity tools and security awareness training to help prevent data breaches before they happen.
Let us help you turn these common mistakes into competitive advantages. Learn more about our Managed IT Services and how we support small businesses with scalable, dependable technology solutions. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to start a conversation.
