The Top 3 Tech Mistakes Businesses Make
Blog Post: The 3 Tech Mistakes That Are Costing Small Businesses Thousands (And How to Fix Them Today)
About the Author
Nicole is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years in the tech industry. As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) for more than 25 years, she brings deep expertise in technology education, business automation, curriculum design, and IT solutions for small and midsize businesses. Nicole is the CEO of Certified Tech Solutions, a company she founded to help entrepreneurs and organizations go from “Tech-NO” to “Tech-YES” with confidence. Her commitment to empowering business owners with practical, accessible tech solutions is at the core of every service and resource she provides.
Technology can be your greatest asset — or your biggest expense. Throughout my decades in this industry, I’ve seen small businesses unintentionally drain thousands of dollars from their bottom line simply because they didn’t have the right systems in place or misunderstood how to use the tech they already had.
Below are three of the most common — and most expensive — tech mistakes I’ve helped business owners correct, along with immediate actions you can take to protect your business.
Mistake #1: Not Backing Up Data Properly
Cloud storage isn’t the same as backup. Many businesses think storing files in Dropbox or Google Drive is enough, but that’s only half the equation. If your files are accidentally deleted or corrupted, or if your cloud account is hacked, what’s your recovery plan?
Fix:
Implement a multi-tiered backup strategy (local + cloud + offsite).
Use versioning so you can restore older versions of important files.
Schedule automated, routine backups and test them regularly.
Consider tools like Backblaze, Acronis, or integrated solutions within Microsoft 365.
Mistake #2: Using Personal Email for Business
I still see business owners using Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail accounts for professional communication. Not only does it damage credibility, but it also puts your business at risk of data breaches, spam filters, and lack of control over your communication.
Fix:
Set up a domain-branded email (e.g., [email protected]).
Use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for professional-grade email services.
Protect email accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies.
Train your team to recognize phishing and suspicious emails.
Mistake #3: Outdated Software and Systems
It’s easy to delay updates or hang onto familiar tools. But old, unsupported software is the #1 way hackers gain access to small business networks.
Fix:
Conduct a quarterly tech audit to review all software and systems.
Retire unsupported applications and legacy platforms.
Stay on top of critical patches, security updates, and antivirus renewals.
Explore cloud-based alternatives that update automatically.
Bonus Tip: Ignoring Cybersecurity Basics
Even small businesses are targets. Without firewalls, endpoint protection, or basic training, your organization could be one click away from a data breach.
Fix:
Use business-grade antivirus and firewall solutions.
Train staff on cybersecurity hygiene (we offer virtual and onsite sessions).
Regularly review your access controls and user permissions.
What You Can Do Today
Small steps lead to big savings. Start with a basic review of your current systems. If anything feels uncertain, outdated, or overly complicated, let’s talk.
At Certified Tech Solutions, we help you clean up tech debt, simplify your systems, and build a strong digital foundation that supports your growth. We offer tech audits, training, automation, website design, and more — all tailored for busy business owners who want results, not confusion.
Let’s Talk: Don’t wait for a crisis. Schedule a complimentary tech check-up with Certified Tech Solutions today. We’ll help you go from “Tech-NO” to “Tech-YES.”
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