IT for the 99%: A Practical Guide to IT for Small Business Owners
Technology shouldn’t be confusing, expensive, or reserved for big companies. IT for the 99%: The Small Business Owner’s “IT Hat” Guide shows small business owners how to build secure, reliable IT systems without needing an in-house IT department.
About the Book
Most small businesses don’t have an IT department. Instead, they have a business owner wearing the “IT Hat” – often without the time, knowledge, or resources to manage technology safely.
That’s where IT for the 99% comes in. Written by Managed IT expert Brady Helkenn, this practical guide breaks down the technology decisions every small business owner needs to understand. From cybersecurity and backups to choosing software and outsourcing IT, this book gives you a roadmap to make smarter technology decisions without getting overwhelmed. Inside, you’ll learn how to move beyond duct-taped systems and start building a secure, scalable technology foundation for your business.
Who This Book is For
This book is designed specifically for:
- Small business owners
- Freelancers and solopreneurs
- Teams with 1-20 employees
- Businesses without internal IT staff
- Leaders who want to make smarter technology decisions
If you use technology in your business, even a little, this book is for you.
What You’ll Learn
Inside IT for the 99%, you’ll discover how to:
- Build a smarter IT foundation. Learn what infrastructure your business actually needs and what you can skip.
- Protect your business from cyber threats. Understand cybersecurity basics like multi-factor authentication (MFA), backups, and email protection, so you’re not leaving the door open to attackers.
- Choose the right tools and software. Avoid expensive mistakes when selecting business apps, cloud services, and technology vendors.
- Plan for disasters before they happen. Learn how backups, security practices, and incident planning protect your company when things go wrong.
- Outsource IT the smart way. Understand when to hire an IT partner, what questions to ask, and how to avoid costly vendor mistakes.
About the Authors: Brady Helkenn & Niko Nikolaidis
Brady Helkenn is the founder of BH Tech Connection, a Managed IT services company focused exclusively on helping small businesses. After years of supporting freelancers, solo professionals, and small teams, Brady saw the same pattern over and over again: Small businesses were forced to manage critical technology decisions without clear guidance.
This book was written to change that. Through real-world examples, practical frameworks, and lessons from the field, Brady helps business owners understand the technology their businesses depend on without drowning in jargon.
Niko Nikolaidis proudly serves our clients here at BH Tech Connection as the front line troubleshooter. His big passion lies in Cybersecurity where he earned his CySA+ certification. Protecting people from malicious threats and remedying people’s tech related issues is what drives him to never stop his ever growing knowledge of IT.
Niko is a contributing author to this book and brought his expertise to bear with an entire overview chapter on the NIST protocol and how to use this framework as a small business owner.
Get Your Copy
Ready to take control of your business technology?
IT for the 99% gives you the practical roadmap to build secure, reliable IT systems without needing to become an IT expert.
Buy your copy today.
5-Star Reviews
“If you own or manage a small business, IT for the 99% is the book you didn’t know you needed — but will be very glad you read. Helkenn and Nikolaidis have created a refreshingly clear, practical, and no-nonsense guide to the IT challenges every modern business faces, whether you’re running a five-person shop or a growing team of fifty.
This is not a technical manual. It’s a mindset shift. The authors walk you through the critical areas that often get ignored until it’s too late — tool sprawl, lack of backups, weak cybersecurity policies, and the “just make it work” trap. Their tone is conversational and approachable, but the advice is grounded in real-world case stories that drive home the cost of doing nothing.” – Frank DiBartolomeo
“Wow! A big 'thumbs up' for this refreshingly practical and easily digestible book written for the business owner who has endless other priorities to juggle. I love the way this book is laid out and the specific examples that make understanding IT a quick study as it relates to businesses. I love the author's use of short stories and case studies to drive his points home. What a breath of fresh air! Buy this book and reap the benefits and peace of mind, whether you are a current/ future business owner or an astute professional that wants insights on best practices for IT.” – Craig Ackerman
“I wish I had this book years ago. IT for the 99% is the perfect guide for small business owners who wear too many hats! Especially the tech one. It’s clear, practical, and written for real people, not IT pros. Brady Helkenn breaks down what matters most: protecting your business, saving time, and making smarter decisions with tech. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by IT, this book is your lifeline.” – Monte Bingley
“Very good and easy read. Every small business owner should buy this book!” – Nicole M. Hanusek
“Brady’s book contains so much great advice for navigating critical decisions for your small business IT infrastructure. How to choose between Microsoft and Google, why backups are important, what the heck kind of cyber liability insurance to get, and so much more to help you scale your small business. As a small business owner who considers herself pretty tech savvy, this book shone a light on many scenarios that I just personally have never thought of that could inevitably impact my business or my clients. If you’re planning to DIY your IT as a solopreneur or small business, you want to read this to help guide you in smart decision-making.” – Ashlan Glazier-Anderson
“This book takes the stress out of IT. Brady breaks down everything from backups and cybersecurity to outsourcing and scaling in a way that’s practical and easy to act on. The real-world stories drive home why IT isn’t optional anymore - even for the smallest teams. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m too small to worry about IT,” this book will change your mind.” – Troy Riemer
Want Help Implementing What You Learn?
If you’re reading the book and realizing your technology might need a tune-up, BH Tech Connection can help. We provide managed IT and cybersecurity services designed specifically for small businesses with 1-20 computers.