{"id":4927,"date":"2023-08-21T09:43:11","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T14:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/?p=4927"},"modified":"2026-02-10T10:02:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T15:02:53","slug":"the-5-most-common-it-mistakes-smbs-should-avoid-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/?p=4927","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Most Common IT Mistakes SMBs Should Avoid in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-85bp3-f856194ef33e7bc72ec0d3bf98278fce\">\n.flex_column.av-85bp3-f856194ef33e7bc72ec0d3bf98278fce{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-85bp3-f856194ef33e7bc72ec0d3bf98278fce av_one_full  avia-builder-el-0  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><p><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-k0pon615-92ea21455f84089b14b66129c69212c2 '  ><div class='avia_textblock' ><h1>The 5 Most Common IT Mistakes SMBs Should Avoid in 2023<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-k0pop9td-399c35357da9cf26107da9a57de824c5 '  ><div class='avia_textblock' ><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each year the challenges facing small and medium businesses (SMBs) evolve. As market conditions change, cultural shifts occur and even pandemics come and go, the stresses and pressures SMBs battle inevitably change, too. While the information technology (IT) problems SMBs must overcome often persist, new developments occasionally necessitate adjusting an organization\u2019s technology strategy and approach, lest a business lose efficiencies, become vulnerable to new risks and prove less competitive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are the five most common IT mistakes SMBs should avoid in 2023. While these technology errors and oversights track consistently with problems from past years\u2014Louisville Geek previously addressed both <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/news\/top-10-technology-mistakes-businesses-make\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Top 10 Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/news\/5-technology-mistakes-small-businesses-make-and-how-you-can-avoid-them\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">5 Technology Mistakes Small Businesses Make and How You Can Avoid Them<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014there are subtle differences that warrant attention and action, especially if one of these common IT mistakes is occurring within your SMB or threatening to become a potential issue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>1. Failing to Properly Prepare for Disasters<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">A perennial<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">ly recurring <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">problem<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> for many<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">, especially smaller <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">operations <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">typically do<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> not <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">possess<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">larger enterprises\u2019 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">resources, <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">is failing to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">effectively <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">prepare for disasters. No organization should <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">operate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> without a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">proper business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) plan. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">In fact, d<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">isaster planning is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">possibly the<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> single most underrated <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">component<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> within <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">SMBs.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">For small firms, preparing and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">maintaining<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> a disaster plan is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">particularly <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">critical, as they <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">often <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">lack the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">capacities<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> and resources to recover should a flood, fire, lightning <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">strike<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">or similar catastrophe occur<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">. Subsequently, surviving <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">an extended unplanned outage<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\"> can prove more difficult for SMBs<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW128787966 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW128787966 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To improve preparedness, all SMBs should maintain a written disaster plan. As noted within <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/news\/the-top-5-disaster-recovery-planning-mistakes\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Top 5 Disaster Recovery Planning Mistakes,<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> waiting until a disaster occurs is too late. The best defense against disasters and the accompanying unplanned outages and operations interruptions is advanced planning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Commonly accepted best practices prescribe addressing multiple steps when preparing an effective disaster plan, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specifying disaster planning and recovery contacts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Performing a business analysis to confirm critical infrastructure<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interviewing key stakeholders to identify production-dependent systems and workflows<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Determining the organization\u2019s business recovery thresholds and requirements<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Designing recovery strategies<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Selecting and implementing recovery technologies<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Testing the disaster plan<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Scheduling regular reviews of disaster preparedness plans<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once a proper disaster plan is implemented, and even when SMBs already have BCDR processes in place, plans must be regularly reviewed and tested to ensure they remain relevant. Without such regular reviews an SMB may discover, at the worst possible time, that specific elements of its disaster plan missed key components or became outdated due to new apps, services or sites having been deployed but not included within disaster recovery processes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The need to prioritize disaster planning cannot be overstated. Failure to properly prepare for disasters poses an existential threat to all organizations and SMBs in particular.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>2. Neglecting Cybersecurity<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ransomware, social engineering attacks, ever-prevalent malware and hackers\u2019 adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) innovations to assist their malevolent efforts all conspire to victimize SMBs. Despite a wealth of consistent best practice recommendations commonly confirmed and encouraged by numerous government agencies, law enforcement organizations and industry observers, SMBs often still fail to adopt the fundamentals necessary to provide a respectable defense against malicious actors\u2019 continual and often programmatic attempts to penetrate and corrupt their organizations\u2019 systems, networks and data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition to providing recommendations as to how SMBs can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/cyber-guidance-small-businesses#:~:text=Security%20must%20be%20an%20\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">structure roles and responsibilities to establish an effective cybersecurity culture<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cisa.gov\/news-events\/news\/celebrating-small-business-week-cybersecurity-help-small-businesses\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">US Cybersecurity &amp; Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) maintains tips<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> small businesses can adopt to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cybersecurity precautions SMBs should undertake commonly include the following:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) adoption<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Require complex passwords for all users<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Filter inbound email to remove spam, phishing and malicious messages<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Install and maintain an advanced threat protection antimalware solution<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adopt the principle of least privilege (POLP) for user rights and permissions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regularly patch and update systems, equipment and applications<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prioritize security awareness training (SAT) for all users<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Implement systems and network monitoring tools<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Replace end-of-life software and equipment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Prepare cyber incident response plans in advance<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create and maintain proper BCDR plans<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monitor backups for proper operation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">SMBs should ensure they implement all these cybersecurity protections. This is especially true considering deploying a majority of these defenses results in an SMB remaining vulnerable to infection and subsequent data corruption and operations disruptions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Think of it this way. Installing steel bars over a business\u2019 windows proves ineffective if a side door is left open. Malicious actors don\u2019t sleep. They adopt compelling and innovative technologies to robotically attack organizations, including SMBs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bizjournals.com\/louisville\/news\/2023\/07\/26\/ransomware-small-business-cyberattack-tips.html\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the segment proving most vulnerable to ransomware attacks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Taking the proper cybersecurity protections helps prevent unnecessary disruptions and lessens the odds of business interruptions occurring.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>3. Relying upon aging equipment to power operations<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another frequent mistake particularly common to small businesses is the continued use of network gear, desktops, laptops, servers and applications long after the intended life cycles and support windows have come and gone. The practice ranks high among the most dangerous habits an SMB can employ.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Manufacturers typically stop issuing security updates for older hardware. Developers usually cease resolving even known vulnerabilities for obsolete software. The same problems apply to operating systems. Further, both new hardware and contemporary software\u2014often installed necessarily for new users or to replace failed devices\u2014regularly introduce incompatibilities when legacy equipment and systems remain present on a network. Subsequently, SMBs are left vulnerable to known threats malicious actors savor, operations interruptions become more likely and recovery expenses prove much greater than when just replacing outdated material.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Businesses that annually replace a quarter of their hardware smooth their IT spend and never have to maintain equipment more than four years old. Even if such four-year patterns are too aggressive, taking care to ensure no equipment and software powers operations beyond a manufacturer\u2019s official support cycle goes a long way helping reduce unplanned outages and minimize incompatibilities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>4. Overlooking User Training<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many SMBs are forward thinking, prepare appropriate disaster plans, implement effective cybersecurity protections and regularly replace equipment and programs to remain current with commonly accepted best technology practices. But many of those same companies overlook the importance of properly training users to get the most from the technologies\u2014including customer relationship management (CRM) apps, business intelligence solutions, HR platforms, project management programs, financial management applications, common office suite tools, collaboration software, cloud services and no- and low-code platforms\u2014they employ.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If users don\u2019t understand how to properly use a software application, or if staff members are unaware of a solution\u2019s features and capabilities, the SMB will find it difficult to obtain all the benefits from the technology in which it has invested. SMBs that invest in both training new users in the use of its software programs and providing continual education for existing users receive significant subsequent rewards.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to long-running <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/businesstrainingexperts.com\/knowledge-center\/training-roi\/profiting-from-learning\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">American Society for Training and Development<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> statistics, firms that provide comprehensive software training generate 24-percent higher profit margins. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career-advice\/career-development\/importance-of-training\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Indeed<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, meanwhile, confirms training programs improve user skills and knowledge, prepare staff for upward mobility and greater responsibility and boost both productivity and performance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fortunately, multiple training options are available. While remembering users sometimes prefer and benefit from different types of training, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career-advice\/career-development\/best-types-employee-training-methods\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">several methods are common<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, including computer-based training that permits individual employees to proceed at their own pace and instructional videos that many employees favor versus traditional training techniques, such as in-person instructor-led sessions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>5. Underestimating the need for effective tech support<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many organizations appreciate the need to provide users with competent and timely technical support\u2014most everyone understands the importance of quickly assisting staff members when they are unable to access email, log on to a commonly used application or troubleshoot a computer that won\u2019t boot. But not all businesses service their users\u2019 technical needs in the most effective manner.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Users should be encouraged to call the business\u2019 help desk or outsourced support team with questions. The relationship should be cooperative and constructive, not combative or antagonistic. Staff should not feel pressured to withhold questions or fear calling for technical assistance due to concerns of being seen as problematic. Nor should cost concerns discourage users requiring technical help from calling for support.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Internal IT teams should welcome opportunities to assist users. When SMBs outsource technical support they can use flat-fee agreements and managed services contracts to help ensure providers serve as true partners, rather than hired hands seeking to nickel-and-dime the client.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Access to knowledgeable technical support helps users fulfill professional responsibilities, make the most of the business\u2019 technical solutions and minimize production delays or disruptions due to knowledge gaps or failed equipment or systems. High-quality help desk and tech support are also frequently reported as significant factors affecting employee engagement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Just why is that important?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Harvard Business Review<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, quoting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/home.aspx\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Gallup<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> analysis, reports organizations with higher levels of employee engagement are up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2013\/07\/employee-engagement-does-more\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">22 percent more productive<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Numerous other advantages result, too, when providing robust technical support:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Accelerated problem resolution<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reduced downtime<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improved employee experiences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Better staff morale<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increased adoption of new products and services<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reduced support costs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Should training prove insufficient, upgrades cause confusion or questions arise regarding how best to use software or employ a business technology to fulfill professional responsibilities, problems can arise. Efficiencies, morale and productivity all often suffer. Without corresponding technical support assistance, employees often must troubleshoot and research issues themselves. Sometimes users discover clunky workarounds. Sometimes employees identify less effective methods to get by or worse, give up.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extending competent and capable help desk and IT support to users assists SMBs in maximizing technology investments and maintaining efficiencies. Providing effective support also decreases the likelihood staff Googles questions or turns to an AI chatbot and potentially proceeds incorrectly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t leave employee knowledge, skills and experiences to chance. Be deliberate in fulfilling users\u2019 technical support needs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Is your business struggling with a technology challenge?<\/h2>\n<p>If your SMB is facing a common IT issue or dealing with something more unique, Louisville Geek is here to help. You can easily <a href=\"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/contact-us\/\">contact our team<\/a>, where an engaged group of professionals is ready to assist, offer guidance, or even provide a second opinion. Whether you ultimately partner with us or another provider, avoiding common technology traps and making the most of your IT initiatives supports long-term success.<\/p>\n<h3>About Louisville Geek<\/h3>\n<p>Louisville Geek helps organizations improve clarity, structure, and long term planning through practical IT consulting that supports real business goals. Our team works closely with leadership to evaluate systems, eliminate friction, and align technology with the direction of the business. These efforts include strategic guidance delivered by our <a href=\"https:\/\/lg-staging.lougcloud.com\/it-services\/enterprise-it-services\/solutions-manager-vcio-services-strategic-it-support-planning\/\">Solutions Manager and vCIO services<\/a>, which provide roadmap planning, performance reviews, budgeting support, and ongoing leadership level insight.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[186],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-it-consulting"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The 5 Most Common IT Mistakes SMBs Should Avoid in 2023 - Louisville Geek<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Not preparing for disasters, neglecting cybersecurity, relying on aging equipment, and overlooking user training are a few IT mistakes SMBs should avoid this year.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 5 Most Common IT Mistakes SMBs Should Avoid in 2023 - 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