Business Tech

As more and more of our lives go online, the amount of damage that can be done to us through cyberattacks increases. This is particularly true for businesses whose customer data and other sensitive information are at risk.

Cyber attacks can mean that your companies financial solvency is at risk, as well as your reputation and your intellectual property. It’s essential that you take steps to avoid cyber attacks wherever possible.

Patch management

The methods that cybercriminals use to make their attacks are being updated and refined all of the time, and they are getting more and more sophisticated. Most software providers will regularly carry out analysis of the latest threats and create updates to their software to minimize the risk of attack. These updates are known as patches.

As a business running software, it’s essential that you regularly download and install patches from your software providers regularly to ensure that you are protected against attacks.

Businesses can find patch management difficult to manage because patches may impact how the software operates, which can have impacts in unexpected areas of your business if you don’t carry out due diligence and proper testing.

A good strategy is to ensure that you have a qualified IT support team to carry out patch management and also advise you on other Cybersecurity strategies.

Social engineering

Social engineering can be a difficult security risk for businesses to manage. Social engineering is the term used for a hacker to obtain the information that they need to compromise your business systems by utilizing social media or other methods to speak with your staff members to get the information they need.

The best way to protect yourself from social engineering is through education. Teach your employees what kinds of interactions might be suspicious, and teach them about which information should never be shared.

Third parties

A lot of businesses outsource some of their functions to third-party providers. For example, you might outsource your payments to a specially designed platform.

The problem is, if your third-party provider has a data breach and your customers are impacted, you are still liable.

When appraising potential third-party providers, it’s important that you pay close attention to their cybersecurity policies and ensure that you are happy that they are going to keep your customer data safe.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a malicious piece of software that a user inadvertently downloads onto their computer, often through an email attachment.

The ransomware works by encrypting files on the computer to no longer be accessed without entering a mathematical key known only to the orchestrator of the attack. Usually, they will demand payment from you before they will agree to remove the encryption.

To protect yourself against ransomware attacks, you should:

• Only allow download privileges to trusted people within an organization.
• Educate staff regularly about not downloading any unexpected attachments.
• Keep anti-virus software up to date.
• Regularly back up all of your data. This won’t stop the attack, but it can help to mitigate the damage.

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Manufacturing might be one of the oldest industries known to man, but that doesn’t mean that it’s behind the times. Quite the opposite, in fact. A whole host of modern tools and trends are currently disrupting this field and having a profound positive impact on it to boot! Currently, four solutions, in particular, are changing the manufacturing industry for the better. Read on to find out what they are.

1. Recycling balers

The manufacturing industry hasn’t always had the best reputation when it comes to eco-friendliness. For centuries, industrial companies have been known to forgo carbon neutrality in favor of quick, easy manufacturing solutions. Fortunately, thanks to the inception of cutting-edge baling equipment, this worrying trend is now very much on the decline.

Recycling balers are quickly becoming a must-have tool for the world’s leading manufacturing companies, and for good reason. Once they invest in this type of equipment, manufacturers have the capacity to compact all of their recyclable waste materials (plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminum, etc.) into bulk loads. This allows them to stay on top of their sustainability demands in a quick and efficient fashion, which in turn makes it easier for them to lower their carbon footprint. If you want to find out more about recycling equipment and the baling process in general, be sure to check out recyclingbalers.com.

2. 3D printing

3D printing has enjoyed a period of vast proliferation over the past decade. A number of different industries now take advantage of this design process on a daily basis, manufacturing being one of them.

Once they invest in a 3D printer, professional manufacturers are afforded the opportunity to create physical beta tests for their upcoming product releases. This helps them to visualize the end result of their projects, which in turn allows them to forecast potential problems that they may encounter going forward. Ultimately, this stops manufacturers from wasting their time, effort, and money on tasks that aren’t likely to prove fruitful.

3. The IoT

The Internet of Things, commonly referred to as the IoT, is currently proving itself to be a major disrupter in the manufacturing sector. This tech solution has the capacity to optimize a plethora of different industrial processes, three of which include:

1. Supply chain management

2. Self-dependent machinery

3. Workshop mirroring

It has the potential to transform your manufacturing business if you choose to embrace it.

4. Nanotech

Nanotech is another tech solution that is having a profound positive impact on the manufacturing industry. Once embraced, this field of innovation can be used to streamline a whole host of industrial projects and workflows. In turn, this aids manufacturers in their attempt to produce more work, at a much quicker pace, over a far more sustained period of time. The question that remains is, is nanotech worth investing in? The simple answer is yes. There are several benefits that manufacturers stand to reap once they embrace nanotechnology, including optimized processing times and having the capacity for smaller data storage cards and temperature-controlled protective equipment.

Are you determined to take your manufacturing business to the next level? If so, be sure to take full advantage of the four solutions listed above.

At the time of this writing, Twitter has a purported advertising audience in excess of 353 million users. This massive potential audience of advertising viewers means that businesses have every reason to engage with Twitter, to build their brand on social media, and to pursue growth through this sector.

While social media has been around for quite a while now, there is still room to grow within the paradigm. Let us look at how to better set our brands up for success on social media platforms like Twitter.

Craft the Company YOU Want!

First and foremost, our social media presence should best reflect our goals and aspirations as a business owner. If we establish social media platforms that are sloppy, lazily put together, and barely active then we are just mirroring our own efforts as a company. If we want an active and inspiring business, let’s start with an active and inspiring social media presence.

Take a look at this example of a company Twitter page. From the professional headlining information to the optimized graphics, we can tell that this account has been prepared for growth on Twitter. Active posts and integration through Likes, Replies, and Media Tweets have all pushed this profile higher. Consider emulating these practices when crafting the company that YOU want.

Engage With Analytics

In the same way that analytics changed professional baseball, applied data analytics are changing how we approach social media. Social media platforms such as Twitter have advanced analytic information available for platform users. On branded business accounts, Twitter users can navigate to the Twitter Analytics page to take a closer look at how their account is performing. In doing so, businesses can find out what type of content is getting the most positive engagements.

Use Twitter analytics to better define and refine what your company is offering the digital world. If your audience reacts well to image-based posts, focus on those. If your business works best when videos are shared alongside text-based comments, then pursue that model.

Rely on Professional Graphics

The fastest way to lose a potential client is by showcasing yourself as a sub-optimal company through poor graphics and presentation practices. Consider hiring a graphic designer to create custom artwork that you can rely on for all of your social media outlets. Along that same line of thinking, consider creating consistent graphics so that your social media platforms all match. In doing so, you will create a throughline that connects your brand from one platform to the next.

We don’t have to break the bank to enjoy professional graphics that represent our brand. Spend time looking through freelancing websites to negotiate a deal that works within your budget. Platforms like Fiverr are a great place to go when the time comes for affordable graphics and quick turnarounds.

There is no single way to succeed on the internet or in life. Take our advice and implement your own industry knowledge to find the path forward that works best for you.

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Are you planning to insure your business with the right set of insurance policies? If yes, then you must consider several types of commercial insurance policies that can help your business to grow in the long run. In Forbes’s study, proper application of the insurance policies has been given prior importance.

The bigger your business becomes, the risk will also become significant. You must plan to combat these situations in the best possible manner. You must not consider things for granted here. You mushy make the proactive decision making to get over from this scenario.

Complete Guide To Business Insurance For Big Business

You must consider multiple things while you plan the business insurance in the best possible manner. You cannot assume things for granted here. Develop a plan that can help your business in the crisis scenario with the insurance policies’ help.

1. Your Business Insurance Will Reduce Risk

When your business is big, then your business’s risk is also significant; you need to have a back up to combat that situation in the best possible manner. Several kinds of business risks are there that you must consider from your end that will help you to develop your business in the best possible way.

The only thing that will help your business to grow is the financial coverage from the risky situation. The insurance coverage will help you to combat the economic crisis in the best possible manner.

2. General Liability Insurance Will Safeguard Your Employees

The general liability insurance will safeguard your employees from slip and fall incidents in the workplace as you have the significant business infrastructure. It will help you to develop your business in the best possible manner.

You must have general liability insurance in your company policy to safeguard your business’s interest in the best possible manner. It will also help your employees to l that your employees are not neglected in your company. You can read more on insurance authority in Dubai.

3. Workers Compensations Insurance For Injured Workers

Your employers will look for worker’s compensation insurance to save the workers’ interest in the best possible manner. Your injured workers will receive compensation from this policy as they cannot withdraw the wages due to their injury.

These insurance policies boost the confidence of the workers, and they will feel motivated to achieve their goals in the best possible manner. You cannot make any wrong decisions from your end regarding this matter.

4. Directors & Officers Insurance

Directors’ and officers’ insurance plays a vital role in protecting the officers’ assets and the directors’ best possible manner. You need to consider things in this regard to develop your business in the best possible way.

You cannot make any rash decisions in this regard. You must carefully consider these insurance policies to develop your brand image in the employee’s and other parties’ eyes. Your insurance policy must cover all the assets of the directors and other assets of the company.

5. Product Liability Insurance For Employers And Users

Suppose your products cause any bodily injuries to the employee and the product users due to their bad quality. In that case, the insurance policy will help your business grow in the best possible manner.

The insurance policy in this regard will protect the reputation of your brand in the best possible manner. It can instill confidence in your employees’ minds to develop their brand image and feel confident to deliver their best for your company’s outcome. You need to think proactively in this regard.

Conclusion

Hence, if you want to enhance your brand image in a short period, you can take the help of the right insurance policy. It will help you to cover the backlogs of your brand in the best possible manner. It will develop your brand image and will help you to create the work culture of your business. Make sure that you have adopted the right insurance policy from your end.

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Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or run a startup that’s just finding its way in the business world, business digital solutions should be your top priority. This is because digital software solutions make your processes efficient enough to give you a competitive advantage over more established small businesses.

The digital software solution tips for entrepreneurs and business owners that we share in this article can be adapted to suit a wide range of business models, regardless of what business or service you offer, so keep reading.

1. Call Center Software

If you run your own call center, Bright Pattern’s call center software makes it possible for all your call centers to be working at all hours of the day. This then allows your sales team to offer excellent customer service and phone support to your callers. Bright Pattern’s call center software solution can be easily integrated with your current CRM system. What’s more, the customer data that you can glean through this integration further allows you to give your customers an unparalleled customer experience.

Additionally, Bright Pattern’s contact center solution is compatible with major CRMs including Salesforce, Oracle Service Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Zendesk. With a good CRM, you can organize your workflow, keep track of your sales, manage your client list, and deliver exceptional customer support.

2. Cloud Storage Solutions

Cloud storage has significantly changed how most companies access and store their data. Cloud storage solutions allow business owners to store their applications and data on remote servers. These servers are secure and allow small businesses to access data either through a private network connection or through the public internet. A third-party cloud provider maintains these servers and allows you secure data access when you need it.

Financially speaking, cloud storage solutions are an inexpensive storage option when compared to using on-premise storage networks or hard drives. What’s more, when it comes to storage space, computer hard drives are limited in the amount of data that they can store. The implication of this being that when they run out of storage space you will need to transfer your data files to an external storage area network.

If a majority of your workforce works remotely, cloud storage solutions such as the ones offered by DropBox, Google Drive, and OneDrive provide your workforce an easy way to access work information from their virtual workstations. This allows for quick deployment of working solutions, and increased scalability in the way that information is managed within your organization.

3. CyberSecurity

Cybersecurity is a digital solution that every small business owner should take seriously. Businesses of all sizes are susceptible to cyberattacks, making it important for every company to be aware of the cyber threats that it faces, and having resources in place to make themselves secure.

Conducting regular penetration tests is a great way to test your company’s security systems. Penetration tests mimic the techniques that hackers use to check for potential vulnerabilities. By mimicking the type of cyber attack a cybercriminal is likely to use (malware attacks, password strength standards, identity theft), you can make the relevant security updates to your system, stopping cyberstalkers and cyber criminals before they attack.

Antivirus software is another important cybersecurity solution that alerts you to malicious malware attacks. One common type of malware is the Chromium virus which has been tormenting PC and MAC users for a while. Chromium is a web browser application that is programmed to tamper with your computer’s settings. What’s more, because it adds unwanted programs to your Google Chrome browser, it can be difficult to uninstall.

Antivirus software can also scan email attachments to prevent employees from falling victim to phishing attacks. Phishing is a form of social engineering where a cybercriminal pretending to be a trusted person or entity deceives their victim by tricking them into opening a text message, email, or instant message. In most cases, personal information such as social media login details, credit card numbers, and other user data are stolen.

4. Video Conferencing Solutions

With more people working from home during the COVID-19, the need for video conferencing solutions has become a fast staple for businesses that need to touch base regularly. If your business model is such that you have remote teams spread out across different time zones, video conferencing tools like Skype Meet Now, Google Meet, Zoom, Bluejeans, and Cisco Webex can allow these teams to converge seamlessly. As long as each team member has a strong internet connection, side issues like sickness, commute delays, and distance will not affect your daily output.

If you plan to expand your business in the future, making sure that your company is digitally mature is a great first step towards meeting this goal. What’s more, the digital space is in a state of constant evolution, so staying savvy with the current digital trends is a great way to keep your business relevant in today’s market.

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It can prove challenging for business owners to sleep sound without knowing how their businesses are doing.  Access security systems are incredibly vital and come in handy in ensuring that your business runs smoothly.

Above all, your employees and everyone inside the building, including all vital documents, are safe from any potential threat.

Why does your company need to utilize access control security systems?

To enhance security

Let’s face it, the traditional security measures such as keys and padlocks can’t keep away intruders and potential spies. The access control security systems are more reliable and keep everything and everyone away from harm. With access control security systems, you can rest assured that your company is not accessible to people with ill intentions.

To acquire information that will help enhance security

Constant monitoring will help your security team identify the best ways to seal any security loopholes. They will be better positioned to establish the best security measures that are ideal for your business.

To secure sensitive data

As a business owner, you understand the dangers of exposing sensitive data.  Access control systems are the best ways to hide such information. Only authorized members will be allowed inside the areas that carry sensitive information.

Apart from securing data, you also get to keep all vital assets in check. By regulating the access to any critical assets, you get to keep everything in check.

Here are the types of access control systems

Electromagnetic access control systems

This system does not have interconnecting parts, and this makes it very easy to install and operate. It provides an adequate level of security due to constant electrical currents. In this system, release protocols are in the form of keypads, wristbands, and swipe cards.

Electromechanical access control systems

Under this system, doors and drawers can only open upon the activation of the system. The release protocols are similar to those of the electromagnetic system.  They can operate as fail-safe as well as fail secure. Fail-safe requires power to remain active, while fail-secure requires power to release the lock.

Standalone locking systems

As the name suggests, they do not communicate with other security networks inside the office or even the building. Instead, they are independent.

Integrated systems

These are ideal for your business because all things work together, making it easy for users to operate it. However, it is expensive to install because it needs software that can reach out to many systems.

Here is the methodology of access control systems 

Access control systems connect with other security systems with smartphone-based, cloud-based, or even IoT based systems. Here is how the access control methodology is arrived at.

Authorization

Firstly, authorization takes place. This is the procedure of determining who gets clearance to what. After this vital step comes management. Here access to secure areas is controlled. Depending on the protocols of the company, the administrator activates or cancels access to the area.

Authentication

Authentication then follows immediately after the management phase. Here, one must present the credentials that help prove that an individual is authorized to be inside the building or a restricted area.

Audit

Here, everything that transpired is recorded. Information about who came in and out is kept. You are likely to secure information about the credentials that were denied access. Access is the final stage. It’s the process of unlocking the door if the credentials of the person seeking access match the authorization list.

To wrap

No company can survive a day without access control security systems. These systems play a crucial of improving the business, hence increasing profits.

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When it comes to starting a business, you generally can’t go wrong with starting a business in a Miami. That’s because the city offers so many benefits to business owners, according to travel and business afficionado Brian Ferdinand in a recently published article For instance, Miami-Dade County offers an excellent geographical location that positions it for winning global and regional investments. In addition, the county offers a skilled and diverse workforce. Let’s take a peek at many of the area’s other benefits for today’s entrepreneurs.

Why Start a Business in Miami?

In the recent article, Brian Ferdinand, the managing partner of SoBeNY and its parent company, CorpHousing Group, explains that the Miami area is one of the world’s most diverse cities. After all, Miami-Dade County houses 2.5 million people in 35 cities, and these resident speak a whopping 104 languages.

However, the area’s diversity isn’t the only perk that it has to offer. The county also offers a top-level infrastructure and is an excellent location for trading goods with the Caribbean and Latin America. In addition, because Miami is situated between South and North America, it is also these Americas’ cargo gateway and is well positioned to experience higher levels of trade from Africa, Europe, and Asia as well. In fact, the area has consistently ranked among the most popular customs districts throughout the United States.

Also, the fact that Miami remains a major destination for global tourists may especially be appealing to you if you’re thinking about starting a business in the tourism industry. After all, Miami’s port happens to be the world’s cruise capital, serving as the home of seven cruise lines and more than 20 cruise ships.

Other Benefits of Being an Entrepreneur in Miami

If you intend to operate a global business in Miami, you can take consolation in the fact that Miami-Dade County houses 70-plus trade offices and foreign consulates, as well as more than 1,100 multinational corporations. In addition, the Miami port is the state’s top port for cargo containers, as it does business with more than 200 ports located in 100 nations.

Also, note that the international airport in Miami is number one among airports in the United States that handle international freight. It is also number two among airports that handle international passengers. As a result, you couldn’t ask for a better place to do international business in the months and years ahead.

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Despite the fact that we are seeing so many businesses close their doors, now is in fact a great time for you to launch your very own company. The reason for this is that those business which have closed have left gaps in the market which need to be filled, not to mention the fact that so many staff and so much infrastructure for businesses is now available from those which have gone. The issue which many of you will be faced with the is getting the right funding for the business, but there are in fact multiple ways in which you can do this, let’s take a look.

Equipment Financing

A good friend of mine works at Sertant Capital and she often talks to me about the benefits of taking on equipment financing. As the name suggests, the idea is that the business borrows money purely for the equipment which it needs to get set up with. This can free up liquid capital for the business and because of the nature of the loan, it can also give the borrowing power in the future, should they need additional support.

Bootstrapping

The idea behind bootstrapping the funding for your business is basically a DIY approach which means that you take on zero credit. This could mean that you use savings for your business, borrow from friends or family or perhaps even reach out for some crowdfunding. There are of course clear benefits to taking on this kind of funding, but we have to remember that it is also one of the more difficult ways to approach the business.

Traditional Route

There is always the traditional route of taking on a bank loan for your business venture, and this is still one of the most common ways in which you can go about getting funding for the business. banks offer some of the best rates with regards to interest and because of the fact that they want to get their money back, they will work with businesses and try to help them in any capacity that they can. Banks offer a very solid and favorable funding option which could be the perfect way for you to get that business up and running.

Venture Capital

If you have a new idea or an exciting startup in a fast growing sector then you may be able to look towards angel investment for your support and for your funding. A venture capital is someone who backs these young business and that usually involves buying a stake in the firm. They will then use the experience which they have in the industry to power you and the business to new heights, because of course the better that you do, the better that they do too, because they have a stake in the business.

These are the ways in which you can secure funding for your business in the coming year, and remember just how great an opportunity we have right now.

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As a business owner, you are very careful when it comes to hiring people to work for your company. You want to ensure that they are the perfect fit and that they have the specific skills you are looking for. Your business depends significantly on the people you hire, which is why you keep your eyes open for the best you can employ. Once you have come up with your dream team, you will naturally want to retain them for as long as possible.

One of the things you need to be looking for is loyalty, which can only be achieved if you give your employees all the reasons to continue working with you. There are several ways of keeping your employees content, and as an employer, you should utilise these ways. Successful business owners have methods of displaying appreciation, which is something that employees look for. One practical way is planning an office party to celebrate excellent work, along with a funfair stall for hire to complete the party atmosphere. Apart from this, there are other ways to retain the services of your employees.

Entrust them with responsibility

Micromanaging is a common practice of business owners who want to make sure that every task needed for the business is accomplished precisely the way they want it. This is understandable, but it also makes an employee feel like they are not trusted enough. The reason you hire people is to make them work on specific areas of your business where you feel they excel. An employee will appreciate being given the responsibility and trusting that it will be done accordingly. It goes without saying that you must also be there to help when needed.

Give them respect

Employees are just like anyone else who cannot be happy in a place where they are disrespected. Treating your employees with respect shows that you recognise their talents and hard work. If there is any need to speak to them about certain issues concerning their work, it is best done in privacy to avoid embarrassment. The manner of communication should be one that is professional and by no means degrading. Respect also means listening to explanations and whatever else they need to express. It is always best to keep in mind that there could be reasons behind any issue.

Allow them time to relax

Employees also need to have some time to relax. While you expect them always to provide their best performance, certain circumstances may call for a bit of time out. Breaks in between working hours are necessary so that employees can take a breather and have the chance to recharge and perform even better. No matter how efficient anyone can be, there is a point where things can get overwhelming, and productivity can suffer. It is also good to provide them with enough time to recover from illnesses or to take vacations.

An employee who knows that their employer cares about them and their well-being will always think twice about leaving. A higher salary offered by another company may not even be enough to entice them when they are content with where they are.

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