By Heiden Technology Solutions
3-minute read
January is more than a fresh start—it’s a reset button.
For growing companies, the first 90 days of the year often determine whether the rest of the year runs smoothly or feels like constant catch-up. Technology plays a bigger role in that outcome than many leaders expect—not because of shiny new tools, but because of preparedness, clarity, and smart habits.
Here’s a simple, non-technical checklist every leadership team should review in Q1.
Download the First 90 Days IT Checklist
1. Make Sure a Hack Can’t Shut the Business Down
Most leaders assume their data is backed up. Fewer have confirmed it.
A ransomware attack, system failure, or accidental deletion doesn’t just affect IT—it can halt operations, impact revenue, and damage customer trust. The real question isn’t “Do we have backups?” but “Can we recover quickly if everything goes dark tomorrow?”
Key actions to take this quarter:
- Confirm your data is backed up in more than one location
- Ensure at least one backup can’t be altered or deleted
- Test restoring a file or system (at least once)
Why leaders care: Downtime isn’t just an IT problem. It’s a business continuity problem.
2. Make Security Someone’s Job
More security tools don’t equal better security—clear ownership does.
When something goes wrong, confusion is costly. If no one knows who’s responsible, who gets notified, or what happens next, valuable time is lost during the moments that matter most.
Key actions to take this quarter:
- Identify who owns cybersecurity decisions
- Define who gets notified during an incident
- Document a simple response plan (1–2 pages is enough)
Why leaders care: Confusion during an incident costs time, money, and credibility. Clear roles reduce risk.
3. Help Employees Avoid Costly Mistakes
Employees aren’t the weakest link—they’re the first line of defense.
Phishing emails and scams are getting more convincing, and even smart, well-intentioned people can make mistakes. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness and confidence.
Key actions to take this quarter:
- Share real examples of current scams
- Encourage reporting without fear or blame
- Reinforce that security is about awareness, not “never clicking wrong”
Why leaders care: A supported team is far more effective than a scared or silent one.
4. Think of Technology as an Extension of Your Team
Technology decisions shouldn’t feel overwhelming—or sales-driven.
The most effective IT strategies support leadership decisions, reduce risk, and free teams to focus on growth. That starts with having the right guidance, not just more software.
At Heiden Technology Solutions, we believe IT should function as an extension of your team—supporting decisions, not complicating them.
Start the Year Strong
You don’t need a massive overhaul to improve your technology posture in Q1. Small, intentional steps in the first 90 days can prevent major disruptions later in the year.
If you’d like help walking through this checklist or understanding where your organization stands, we’re here to help.
Let’s make this quarter count.
Prefer a quick reference you can share with your team?