Smart IT Management for Small Business: Part 1

March 28, 2025

This article is part one of a two-part excerpt from our latest downloadable guide, Peachtree VA x Pickard Solutions: Smart IT Management for Small Business.

Your Complete Guide to Staying Organized, Secure, & Productive

Running a business means wearing many hats, but “IT expert” and “administrative guru” probably weren’t the ones you had in mind. Yet here you are, trying to decipher security warnings and googling tech terms you’ve never heard of, all while managing an endless stream of administrative tasks that pull you away from actually running your business. That’s a lot for anyone to handle alone. And you shouldn’t have to.

That’s why Peachtree VA partnered with Pickard Solutions to create a comprehensive guide that empowers small businesses and solopreneurs with essential IT and virtual assistant solutions for sustainable growth.

In this guide, you’ll find:

Who Do You Call? The IT vs. VA Breakdown
The Business Owner’s Security Survival Guide
IT Do’s and Don’ts Breakdown
How Do Successful Businesses Get More Done?
Is Your Business Data Actually Safe?
Collaborative Solutions for Your Business

This article will cover topics 1-3. Download the complete guide here for more.

Who Do You Call? The IT vs. VA Breakdown

Sometimes, it’s hard to know who to call when you need help. Use this guide to determine whether your IT Provider or Virtual Assistant best fits the task at hand.

When Tech Gives You Trouble… Call Your IT Provider For:

Securing Email: Stop Phishing, SPAM, and other malicious things from getting to your inbox.
Troubleshooting Hardware: Experiencing issues with your computer, printer, or network? Call your IT provider for diagnostics and repairs.
Setting Up Secure Networks: Get help configuring firewalls, routers, and secure Wi-Fi for your business.
Handling Software Integrations: Struggling to sync software like CRMs, accounting systems, or project management tools? Your IT provider can ensure seamless connectivity.
Cybersecurity Concerns: Protect your business with antivirus, firewalls, and cybersecurity training from your IT provider.

Need IT support? Schedule a call with Pickard Solutions →

When Tasks Pile-Up… Your VA Can Handle:

Managing Email, Phones, and Schedules: Virtual administrative assistants keep your cluttered inbox at bay, ensuring no critical email goes unnoticed. They also manage schedules, handle correspondence, and a multitude of other things to support their leader.
Managing Email, Phones, and Schedules: Virtual administrative assistants keep your cluttered inbox at bay, ensuring no critical email goes unnoticed. They also manage schedules, handle correspondence, and a multitude of other things to support their leader.
Organizing Digital Files: Need to clean up or structure shared folders? A virtual assistant can categorize, rename, and organize files to make them more accessible.
Communications Outreach: VAs can execute marketing and communication initiatives, including social media management, newsletters, customer service, and more.
Software Management: VAs can manage software like CRMs, project management tools, and more, keeping your business operations organized and efficient.
Research Tasks: A virtual assistant can research topics, compile data, or find solutions for non-technical challenges.

Need help managing it all? PeachTree VA can take tasks off your plate →

The Business Owner’s Security Survival Guide

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming and technical. You know you need it, but where do you even start? Follow our straightforward security checklist to protect your business without getting lost in technical jargon. Small tech improvements can make a big difference in security, efficiency, and overall peace of mind. Here’s how to keep your business tech-savvy and trouble-free:

Quick Security Checklist:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts, ensuring only you can access your information even if your password is compromised.

Use Strong Passwords Everywhere: Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Instead, create unique, complex passwords for each platform and manage them using a password manager such as LastPass.

Recognize Phishing Attempts: Always verify the sender’s email address and be wary of unexpected messages, especially those urging immediate action. Hover over links to check their destination before clicking and avoid downloading unknown attachments.

Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but not secure. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, unless you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
Update Your Software Regularly: Cybercriminals exploit outdated software vulnerabilities. Ensure your operating systems, browsers, and antivirus programs are up to date with the latest patches.
Be Careful with Personal Devices: If you use personal devices for business, ensure they have antivirus protection, secure passwords, and software updates enabled.
Educate Your Team: If you have employees, provide basic cybersecurity training to help them recognize threats like phishing emails and unsafe websites.

Want this all set up for you? Let Pickard Solutions handle your security →