Inspire - Tips To Grow Your Business, Productivity & Relationships

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, businesses must take data security seriously. Compassion and care for your business means protecting your customers’, employees’, and vendors’ information from cybercrime. As cybersecurity becomes more and more  complex, it can be difficult to keep up with the best practices for data security.

Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of four tips for securing your business data:

1. Develop a comprehensive security strategy.

Your security strategy should take into account all potential threats to your data, including hacking, malware, and physical theft. By identifying all possible risks, you can develop a more comprehensive security plan.

The first step in setting up this strategy would be  to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you determine which security measures are necessary to protect your data. You’ll be better off if you have a plan in place before an incident occurs.

2. Implement strong authentication measures.

One of the most important aspects of data security is ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive information. Strong authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication, can help you achieve this.

Two-factor authentication requires users to provide two pieces of identifying information before they are granted access to a system. This could include something they know, like a password, and something they have, like a security token.

By doing this, you can be sure that only authorized users will be able to access your data.

3. Encrypt your data.

Data encryption is one of the most effective ways to protect information from cybercriminals. By encrypting data, you make it unreadable by anyone who doesn’t have the encryption key.

When encrypting data, you should use a strong encryption algorithm, such as the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). You should also generate a new encryption key for each file or piece of data you encrypt.

This also includes any data that is in transit, such as emails or files being transferred between devices. You can use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data while it is in transit.

4. Train your employees on security best practices.

Your employees are one of your biggest assets, but also one of your greatest risks when it comes to data security. They can help you identify potential threats and take steps to prevent them.

Make sure your employees are aware of basic security measures, such as not sharing passwords and not downloading files from unknown sources. You should also provide them with more comprehensive training on data security best practices on an ongoing basis.

By following these tips, you can help keep your business data safe from cybercriminals. However, data security is an ongoing process, and you should regularly review your security measures to ensure they are effective.

Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) are always looking for ways to cut costs and improve efficiency. One way to do this is by moving to the cloud. 

Cloud migration can be a smart financial move for SMBs because it can help them save money on infrastructure and other costs, while also providing them with greater flexibility and scalability.

In fact, a recent study by Forbes Insights found that nearly two-thirds of SMBs are already using cloud-based applications and services. And of those who aren’t currently using the cloud, nearly 60% said they plan to do so within the next 12 months.

Cost

So what’s driving this migration? For many SMBs, it simply comes down to cost savings. The upfront investment in cloud infrastructure can be expensive, but it’s often more than offset by the long-term savings on things like hardware, maintenance, and energy costs.

One way that SMBs can save money with cloud migration is by using a pay-as-you-go model. With this type of pricing, businesses only pay for the resources they use, which can be a major savings compared to traditional on-premises infrastructure.

In addition, SMBs can avoid upfront costs associated with buying and maintaining on-premises hardware and software.

Flexibility

Another big factor is the increased flexibility that comes with cloud-based applications and services.

The cloud provides SMBs with the ability to scale up or down as needed, without having to make a significant investment in new hardware and software. This can be a major advantage for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Security

And then there’s the issue of security. The cloud is often seen as a more secure environment than on-premises data centers, thanks to the increased level of control and visibility that cloud providers offer.

SMBs need to make sure that their data will be safe and secure in the cloud. This can be achieved by working with a reputable and experienced cloud provider.

All of these factors add up to one thing: Cloud migration is a smart financial move for SMBs. If you’re thinking about making the switch, now is the time to do it.

The way in which you go about recruiting new hires can be an intense and nuanced process. It’s no longer as simple as throwing a job posting up on Indeed or LinkedIn. Employers have to work to attract solid candidates.

Recruitment marketing has changed drastically over the years, and more so now that company cultures have changed since the onset of the pandemic.

The way your brand is portrayed is paramount.

People are getting more and more picky about where they would like to work as industries become more competitive.

Having a strong brand presence from the start is vital to success in drawing in candidates.

A candidate who can clearly see what a company’s mission and goals are and if they align with their own are more likely to gravitate towards that company when looking at potential jobs.

They also want to know what it’s like to work for you. Highlight employee testimonies on your website and social media. Put emphasis on things your company offers that others may not, such as covering gym memberships, flexible schedules, or other non-salary incentives.

It’s not about a short relationship.

The biggest opportunity in recruiting comes from building strong long term relationships with candidates.

You’ll want to work to capture a candidate’s information so that if they are not the right fit for a current open position, they can be easily reached in the event a future position that suits them better becomes available.

Wouldn’t it be nice to already have a pool of candidates at your fingertips when hiring for a new position because you’ve already sourced them through previous recruitment efforts?

Data will tell you all you need to know.

As you post jobs and gather candidates, you’ll want to keep track of hard data surrounding that. Where did you place a job posting that brought in the highest quality candidates? What job posting garnered the most attention?

Keeping track of these things will better inform the way in which you post opportunities in the future. It will also help you bring in higher quality candidates to make the hiring process more seamless.

The candidate experience should be personalized.

It’s crucial to provide an engaging experience for a candidate nowadays, and may make all the difference if they have several employers they are considering working for.

Candidates expect you to know who they are and not see them as just another resume in a big pile of them.

Every touch point you have with the candidate should reflect your company’s values and show in some way that you are aware of who they are as an individual.

Use personal engagement instead of blanket emails or correspondence.

Cater to the mobile side of things.

We are constantly on the go these days, and we bring our technology with us. Optimize the way you advertise jobs for mobile platforms, as many people will be looking at your postings on their phone.

Ensure the way in which potential candidates look at job qualifications and submit information is easy to do in a mobile capacity. If they find themselves frustrated at the onset of applying, odds are that frustration will carry through the whole potential hiring process.

Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals try to trick you into giving them sensitive information or money. They may do this by pretending to be a trusted organization or person, or by creating fake websites and emails that look real.

There are many different types of phishing scams, but some of the most common include:

Email Phishing

One of the most common types of phishing is email phishing. This is where scammers send out emails that look like they’re from a legitimate company or organization, in an attempt to get you to click on a link or attachment that will install malware on your computer or device.

Website Phishing

Website phishing is another common type of phishing, where scammers create fake websites that look almost identical to a legitimate website. They then share these fake websites with people, in an attempt to get them to enter their personal information, such as their login details or credit card number.

SMS Phishing

SMS phishing (also known as smishing) is a type of phishing where scammers send text messages that look like they’re from a legitimate company or organization, in an attempt to get you to click on a link or attachment that will install malware on your phone.

Social Media Phishing

Social media phishing is a type of phishing where scammers create fake social media accounts or posts, in an attempt to get people to click on a link or attachment that will install malware on their computer or device.

Phone Call Phishing

Phone call phishing (also known as vishing) is a type of phishing that uses voice messages or phone calls instead of emails. The criminals will call you and pretend to be from a legitimate organization, such as your bank. They may try to trick you into giving them sensitive information or transferring money to them.

How to avoid phishing scams

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from phishing scams:

Never click on links in emails or text messages from people or organizations you don’t know. If you’re not sure if an email is real, go to the organization’s website directly instead of clicking on the link in the email.

Be cautious of any emails or text messages that contain spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. These are often signs that the message is not from a legitimate source.

Never enter sensitive information, such as your login details or credit card number, on a website that you’re not sure is real. If you’re not sure if a website is legitimate, look for signs that it is secure, such as a URL that starts with “https” and a green padlock icon.

Install cyber security measures , such as antivirus software and a firewall, on your computer or device. These will help to protect you from malware.

Keep your software and operating system up to date, as updates often include security patches that can protect you from new types of attacks.

We all know that feeling. You run into an issue with your computer, smartphone, or another type of technology and realize you need professional help. But then you start to think about the cost.

How much is this going to set me back and Is it really worth it?

For many people, these thoughts lead to one conclusion: it’s not worth it. They would rather suffer through the problem or try to find a workaround than pay for professional IT services. After all, those services can be expensive – especially if you need on-site support or repairs.

But what many people don’t realize is that there are ways to get affordable IT services. And in most cases, the benefits of professional help far outweigh the cost.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re trying to decide if IT services are worth the investment.

Does it Fit Your Budget?

First, it’s important to understand that not all IT service providers charge the same rates. Some companies charge by the hour while others charge a flat rate for certain services. There are also companies that offer monthly plans that include unlimited IT support.

So, if you’re worried about the cost, it’s important to do your research and find a provider that fits your budget.

Will it Save Money in the Long Run?

Second, keep in mind that preventative IT support can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, if you have a monthly plan that includes unlimited IT support, you can call for help with any problem, no matter how small.

This can save you from having to pay for more expensive repairs down the road.

Will Managed IT Services Increase Productivity?

Third, professional IT services can increase your productivity and help you avoid costly downtime.

If you’re constantly dealing with technology problems, it’s going to impact your ability to get work done. But if you have a reliable IT support team to turn to, you can quickly resolve any issues and get back to work.

Will it Give You Peace of Mind?

Fourth, IT services can give you peace of mind. When you know there’s someone you can call for help, it’s a lot easier to relax and not worry about every little thing that could go wrong.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to invest in IT services comes down to your specific needs and budget. But in most cases, the benefits far outweigh the cost. So, if you’re having doubts, it’s worth at least considering professional IT support.

On-season can be a busy time for restaurants, but with proper preparation you can make sure that your business is ready for the influx of customers. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your restaurant is primed for success this on-season.

1. Evaluate your menu:

Is your menu seasonally appropriate? If not, consider making some changes.

2. Get your kitchen in order:

The key to any successful restaurant is a well-oiled machine of a kitchen. Make sure your kitchen staff is up to date on the latest food safety practices and that your kitchen equipment is in good working order.

3. Train your staff:

Seasonal changes can be hectic, so it’s important that your staff is properly trained to deal with the influx of customers. Make sure they know your menu inside and out, as well as your policies and procedures.

4. Promote, promote, promote:

Get the word out there that your restaurant is open for business! Utilize social media, local newspapers, and word-of-mouth to let people know you’re open and ready to serve them.

5. Make sure your décor is on point:

First impressions are everything, so you want to make sure your restaurant’s décor is up to par. This includes both the inside and outside of your establishment.

6. Be prepared for the rush:

Seasonal changes usually mean an increase in business, so it’s important to be prepared for the rush. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to handle the increased customer volume, and that your kitchen is stocked with the necessary supplies.

7. Update Technology

Technology plays an important role in preparing your restaurant for on-season. Online ordering and mobile payments make it easy for customers to order and pay for their food, which can help reduce lines and wait times.

Additionally, using an online reservation system can help you keep track of customer demand and ensure that you have enough staff on hand to meet the needs of your guests.

By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your restaurant is ready for on-season success. With proper preparation, you can make sure that your business is poised for a busy and profitable season.