Why Simply Having A Website No Longer Cuts It

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. In today’s digital age, it’s not enough simply to have a website for your business. You have to make sure that it’s a smooth-running website and that compliments your overall strategy and is friendly for your customers. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Simply Having A Website No Longer Cuts It.

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Years ago, the race was on for businesses to get online and creating a website was a big achievement for your brand or company. Flash forward to today and it’s not only a given that your business would have a website, but that it should be able to offer an amazing experience to the visitor.

Elements like design, accessibility, and features are important, and you’ll need to make sure that you stand out from your competition. Not only that, but being able to find your website easily needs to be a big consideration, given simply how much stuff there is out there online.

If you want to impress with your website, you need to get things right from the beginning. Take a look at some of the following tips for making sure your website makes the cut and impresses and visitors who come your way.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Make an honest assessment

Sometimes it’s difficult to see flaws in something until you take a step back and give things an honest review. When was the last time you analyzed your website? Believe it or not, not all businesses do this. It’s easy to see why – small businesses don’t always have the capacity for analysis, while others can take for granted that their website is performing well.

Analyzing your website traffic is important to tell you how many people are visiting and give you further insights into who they are, how long they’re staying for, etc. This will help you to understand more about your website’s performance, and help you identify some areas for improvement.

Give simplicity a try

Your website doesn’t have to have bells and whistles to make an impression on visitors. Some of the world’s most successful websites like Google and Apple thrive on a minimal design that helps give the visitor what they need. The benefit of having a simpler website layout is that it loads quickly, which is great for keeping people on your website. Check out some minimalist web designs to give you some inspiration for stripping back and enjoying making the most of the basics.

Focus on the UX

People have a short online attention span, that’s something that many people have come to learn over the years. So in order to hold someone’s attention on your website, you need to make it worth their while, and that’s where the User Experience (UX) comes in. Using a UX testing platform can help you make more informed decisions about your content and how your website is used to help you offer the best experience for your visitors. It’s worth checking out what similar businesses offer on their web pages to help give you an idea of what visitors want and to make some key changes.

Is your website mobile-friendly?

Using a computer is no longer the only option for browsing the internet. In fact, more than half of website visits last year came from mobile phones. People can now browse the internet on the move and carry out most of the functions that used to only be possible from a computer. Therefore, your business needs to be able to provide the same offering by phone that is does through a desktop or laptop.

The good news is that it can be easy to make your website more mobile-friendly. A responsive layout that uses a variety of image sizes, loads quickly and integrates with applications like Google Maps, etc. can all help make your business’ website shine on a phone, tablet or other types of device.

Be clever with your use of media

Images are a powerful website tool. They help to draw the eye, which makes them good for holding a web user’s attention, but they can also help break up your layout to make it appear cleaner and less wordy. Using a single hero image on your front page is a popular trend at the moment, as well as using ‘real’ imagery, shot of real people and places in natural situations (no stock footage!) to sell your business well. Video also does well on websites because it grabs people’s attention. Audit your website’s current media library and work out what types of media you can use to boost your website.

Stay up to date with your SEO strategy

If you want people to find your website, then you’re going to need to work on your SEO. SEO helps to get your page to the top of the search engine rankings – it doesn’t just happen on its own. Whether your business has a lot of competition or you’ve got a niche brand, it’s still important that you use SEO to help people find you. SEO is largely about keywords, so if you can work out the keywords that people would associate with your business and use to search for you, you can start working them through your content. You should review your SEO strategy regularly to help make sure you’re staying up to date with the latest search terms.

Protect your visitors

Security has become one of the most important elements of business websites. Data protection is not only important for protecting your users’ data, but also your own. Keeping your website secure involves adding secure protocols and features, as well as making sure that you stay up to date on the latest online security issues. Many security and data breaches can happen as a result of human error, so it’s also important that all of your employees receive training in protecting data online to prevent mistakes that could cost your business money.

With the right website, your company can attract new business and help you on the path to success. When used to your advantage, the internet can give your business a competitive edge and ensure your business’ longevity. The sooner you get started with making website upgrades and changing your online strategy, the sooner you’ll be able to experience the benefits. Think about your websites and how you can make those much-needed improvements in 2019.

Marketing Tips For Your Small Business

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Many would argue that your business’s marketing strategy is its most important component. The following contributed post is entitled, Marketing Tips For Your Small Business.

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If you’re running a small business already, or are even thinking of starting one, then you know that marketing is going to play a large role in the success of the business, but you may also be finding that you don’t really know where to start with it.

Well, luckily, we’re going to share with you some practical tips that you can use when it comes to marketing your business, so check them out below.

Blogging:

When it comes to running a business that has any kind of online presence, then content really still is king, and it’s important that you understand the value good content can have in your business in the long term.

Setting up a blog also isn’t as difficult as many people would have you believe, and the good thing about it is that it can be mostly automated once you actually have your content plan set up, so this means that you’re not having to worry about running out of content ideas or not having posts go out on a consistent basis.

Social media:

Everyone who runs a business nowadays will likely have heard at some point how powerful and important social media is in their business, but that doesn’t mean they know how to use it properly, because although it’s not overly complicated once you have a plan, you do have to understand some things before getting started with it, such as understanding your ideal clients and really having a solid marketing strategy and plan in place before you start posting on social media.

Live events:

Although live events may take some work to get set up, they can truly be one of the best ways to market your business to both a new and existing audience, and in fact they can be so lucrative that some business owners will rely on them for most of their marketing because they just bring in so much new customers.

Getting things set up of course will require a bit of advanced planning, and you can look at places like a Mesquite Sign Store for ideas on what kinds of things you could have at your event in terms of promotional material.

Networking:

There are often a lot of people who claim that in-person networking is no longer useful for business owners, but this simply isn’t true and it’s not so much about what you’re doing, but how you’re doing it, so if you’re looking to get away from things like social media and prefer a more direct in-person approach, then networking could definitely be something to consider.

Even if you’re using online marketing techniques, offline marketing such as networking is something you should be doing alongside.

How Technology Is Both Good And Bad For Business

Three of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. While it’s an integral part of everything today, technology can be both good and bad for your business. It’s important to think about which effect it’s having. The following contributed post is entitled, How Technology Is Both Good And Bad For Business.

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Modern technology; it’s good for business, right?

Well, the answer isn’t a simple one. While we are in no way saying we should go back to the paper and pen age, or rely on calculators for our accounts and fax machines for communication, there are pros and cons to technology that business owners need to understand.

On the plus side…

Technology can reduce risk. Across a range of industries, today’s technologies are a lifesaver for many businesses. Engineers and designers have 3D mapping and forming software at their disposal to evaluate the viability of their products before the production process is started in full. IT systems can be secured with anti-virus software that blocks out potential hacking attempts. And businesses can use data automation software that eliminates the capacity for human error. In such instances, the technology used provides a safety net for the business owner, and the chances of a disaster can be averted.

Technology increases efficiency. In a time not too far away, business owners were stuck with time-consuming processes that had a negative effect on productivity. But times have changed for the better, so thanks to the latest advances in technology, the business owner actually has the opportunity to achieve a work-life balance that doesn’t necessitate overtime. Chatbots can manage customer queries, collaboration tools can speed up interactions between teams, and teleconferencing software negates the need to travel to business meetings.

Technology is good for marketing. Thanks to the advantages afforded by the internet, the business owner can extend his marketing reach. Through a well-designed website, and social media and email marketing, word can get out quickly and cheaply. To make life even easier, the business owner can also use marketing automation software to improve efficiency and generate more leads.

In such instances, technology is clearly good for business. For any business owner looking to alleviate risk, increase efficiency, and grow their operations, investing in technology is a no-brainer.

However, as we alluded to earlier, there is a downside to using technology, and while we aren’t suggesting the business owner rules out the use of technology altogether, it is important to consider the negatives.

On the minus side…

Businesses can become too dependant on technology. The continued use of software for everyday business processes can make life almost too easy for the business owner. Everything is fine when these things are working as they should, but when the computer goes on the blink, the business owner can become stuck. If he has become reliant on accounting software, for example, he might then struggle to manage his invoicing and budgeting. Those in business need to be mindful then, investing in training for management and employees, so they have the necessary skills to handle the tasks that software usually manages.

Businesses can put customer relations at risk. Chatbots are great, but they a little impersonal. Live chat software is useful for speeding up customer communications, but again, the use of text can come across as a little cold. While we advocate both technologies, it is important to understand that some customers would prefer the opportunity to speak over the phone with a representative when trying to get help for their queries. It’s about offering the personal touch, as this can encourage friendly human conversation and improve customer relationships.

Finally

Technology is good for business, and to stay within consumer and industry trends, the business owner shouldn’t neglect the tools that are available to him. However, there are downsides, and these shouldn’t be overlooked either. We haven’t listed every pro and con here, but should you be in business, commit to further research to give you the right perspective on how to use technology responsibly.

4 Things That Make Your Gym Business Great

Three of the focuses of my blog are Athletics/Sports, Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. If run correctly, gym businesses can be very lucrative. There are keys to a great gym business. The following contributed post is entitled, 4 Things That Make Your Gym Business Great.

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There are almost 40,000 gyms, health clubs and fitness centers in the U.S. While the fitness industry remains a profitable sector, it is also clear that as a new gym owner, you will have to face a lot of competition to attract and keep your customers. Price plays a significant role in their decision; however, customers are willing to pay more if they find the right gym. The quality justifies the cost of membership. A handy rule of thumb, for new gym owners, is to consider what local fitness enthusiasts expect. Giving your gym business a competitive edge is all about finding the additions that make it go the extra mile for your audience.

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#1. Your clients expect great equipment at all times

If you’ve joined a gym in the past, you’ve probably identified the first complaint of every fitness enthusiast; the equipment. The main reason why people choose to work out at the gym and not at home is that they want to train on specialist machines. A gym club that can only provide standard equipment such as treadmills or dumbbell sets fails to keep customers entertained. Offering a variety of choice to support all training routines and adding even custom made accessories to help people with disabilities to use the machine – if you are wondering how to adjust your equipment, you can view more here about accessories. You also need a partner to order parts when your equipment breaks.

#2. A friendly personal coach can make all the difference in the world

Personal trainers make a great deal of difference for new gym goers. However, you want PTs who can sympathize with the different health and self-confidence issues of their clients. Someone who is struggling with weight doesn’t want to feel judged by their trainer. Indeed, not everyone is a fitness junkie, and working with a coach such as Drew Manning here who shows understanding and patience can help them to work out confidently and focus on improving their health.

Find a PT who understands people

#3. Yes, you need an individual decor

When was the last time you stepped in a gym studio and admired the interior decor? If you can’t remember, it’s probably because most gyms lack personalization. They feel like a giant sweating box, which is never appealing to customers. Think of your gym as something that could feel as comfortable and welcoming as a home for your audience. Add art prints, colorful accessories – yes, your gym needs a rest area with cushions – and personal touches.

#4. A place where everyone can feel safe

Everyone is different, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. Make it your mission to create a friendly environment for people of different generations, genders, religion, nationality, sexuality, and fitness levels. Depending on their faith, some people might feel more comfortable in a same-gender class, for instance. Others might feel self-aware practicing in an open space. Understanding and addressing those differences can create a place of tolerance and respect for all – because the last thing somebody wants when they work out is to feel threatened by other gym goers.

Running a profitable gym business is a delicate art. Your offering needs to match your audience’s expectations, both in terms of equipment, services, but also emotional value. A welcoming and respectful gym is a strong pillar of a united community

Making Sure Your Business Is Reputable For All The Right Reasons

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Businesses develop reputations after a while. If you want to continue to generate profit, it’s in your best interests to build a positive reputation. The following contributed post is entitled, Making Sure Your Business Is Reputable For All The Right Reasons.

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Businesses need to grow in order to be successful in a competitive marketplace, and entrepreneurs always focus on making a name for their brands in order to achieve their goals of expansion. Of course, there are good and bad ways to make a name for yourself. You want to be famous rather than infamous, in other words. People might say that all publicity is good publicity, but that isn’t necessarily the case in the world of business. Don’t cut corners; focus on building a good reputation because even a handful of bad reviews can massively damage your company’s image in the eyes of potential new customers. You need to keep every single client happy so that you make sure your business is reputable for all the right reasons. Let’s talk about how to achieve that objective.

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Understand your target market.
You need to understand your target market if you want to make sure your business is reputable for all the right reasons. The best way to become known as a professional and caring company is to make sure you know exactly what your customers want. Don’t play the guessing game. And don’t just copy your competitors. Do your research. Ask people what they want. Find out what problems your customers or potential customers want to see solved. And we’re not just talking about what your business might be doing wrong; we’re talking about what the entire industry might be doing wrong. If you can find a unique solution then you’ll differentiate your company from its rivals. That’s how you’ll build a reputation.

Create a genuine brand.
If you want to make sure your business is reputable for all the right reasons then you also need to create a genuine brand. This all starts with complete transparency. Obviously, we’re not talking about uploading your business’ sensitive data on social media; we’re talking about being honest with your audience. Making mistakes can be frustrating, but misleading your customers turns a bad situation into an unsalvageable situation. If you’re upfront with your customers and make amends when you do something wrong then you’ll be able to maintain a good reputation. In fact, this will help your reputation; it’ll show customers that your business is comprised of human beings who make errors. It’ll also show that you’re willing to go the extra mile to make things right for your customers when mistakes happen.

You should also think about your brand statement if you want your business to come across as genuine and relatable. The market wants to buy high-quality goods and services from you, of course, but that isn’t a very interesting identity. Your company needs to stand for more than that if it’s going to distinguish itself from the competition. Think about the things that you and your team value. Do your interests and passions come across in your business’ branding? You need to make your company appear human. Perhaps you all care about the environment; you could make your business more sustainable to demonstrate this to the marketplace. It’d show that your company cares about more than making money. Being socially responsible is a great way to build your reputation.

Be a strong and trustworthy leader.
A boss is more than a figurehead. You need to be a strong and trustworthy leader for your team. If you can inspire them then they’ll share your enthusiasm about the company. In turn, they’ll deliver a higher standard of service to your customers. That’s how you’ll get a reputation as a friendly and caring business. But it all starts at the top. Delegating is important, but that doesn’t mean you should just put your feet up and step back from the company. You need to be an inspiring leader for your team.

Of course, some entrepreneurs are innovators but they struggle when it comes to leading or managing a team. What’s the way forwards? Well, you have to keep learning. Read plenty of books and do research so that you can gain the business skills necessary to be a better leader. Keep working on yourself in terms of your confidence too. If you experience self-doubt then you’re certainly not the first entrepreneur to feel that way. You might want to do some reading on imposter syndrome. That might help to enlighten you and give you some advice to start moving forwards. Being an assured leader will help you to create an assured brand for your business. In turn, you’ll make the right impression on the market and build a powerful reputation for your company.

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Make sure your employees are satisfied.
Treat your employees as you want them to treat your customers. We started to discuss this in the previous point, but being a great leader is only one aspect of motivating your employees. You have to think about their individual wants and needs too. Job satisfaction isn’t some unattainable goal, so strive to make a change if you’re worried that your workers are unhappy. You can achieve this by taking care of them. Obviously, you can start by ensuring that your team members have good benefits and they work in a safe workplace. But you should go further than this. Give them office perks; a ping-pong table in the breakroom could offer a fun way to unwind during lunch breaks. You should also reward employees for hard work. This will encourage your entire to work hard in the hope that their efforts will be noticed.

If you want to make sure your business is reputable for all the right reasons then the key is to deliver an exceptional service consistently. As mentioned in the corner, you shouldn’t try to cut corners. Making a profit is important, but you should never aim to do so at the expense of your brand image. Otherwise, you’ll be ruining your ability to make a profit in the future. Focus on impressing your customers and delivering a service which gains 5-star reviews. That’s how you’ll make a name for your brand and get the attention of the market. That’s how your business will keep growing.

Should We Compare The Sports Heroes Of Today To The Ones Of Yesteryear?

A key focus of my blog is Athletics and Sports. People debate sports all the time. What’s particularly compelling is the comparison of heroes/players from different eras. While great points are made on both sides, these comparisons of eras are typically impossible to make and inconclusive due to numerous factors. The following contributed post is entitled, Should We Compare The Sports Heroes Of Today To The Ones Of Yesteryear?

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They just don’t make them like they used to, do they? Or is this statement completely irrelevant in the modern age? In terms of sports, we always look to the Muhammad Alis, Johnny Unitas’, and Magic Johnsons of the world, and think that the modern sports hero cannot hold a torch to them. But is it even fair for us to compare the sports heroes of today to the ones of yesteryear? Or do we just have a romanticized view of sport back in the olden days? In fact, is it even fair to compare the two? Are the modern sports heroes under so much more pressure, and are they more physically adroit than the older champions?

The Trials And Tribulations
You can look at it from two perspectives: the social media struggle, and the political one. You can look at the modern sports hero fighting a torrent of social media abuse, which is part and parcel of any game. But even if you look at the heroes of yesteryear, like Niagara Falls basketball legend Carlos Bradberry, there was a different sort of struggle. Naturally, there was a major political struggle back in the heyday of sports in the 1960s and 1970s, which is still, in some areas, carrying through to today. Especially when you look at the topic of transgender issues in sport and even the topic of religion can bring up a whole plethora of debate. Whether it’s the major NFL stars that are observing Ramadan, or younger players like Parker Sniatynski and their Christian beliefs, the modern sports hero has their battles on more than just the playing field. The modern sports hero, it can be argued, have fewer issues to contend with because we supposedly live in a more tolerant world. But it all depends on who you ask! There is still an inherent amount of political struggle in any sport.

The Physical Strength
This depends on the game. While there is a steady increment of records being broken in pretty much every sport with every passing year, can you even compare the physical prowess of a modern football player to the heroes of the 50s and 60s? Training regimes are tougher, and there’s more science behind it, but likewise, you can still argue that the old training methods are the best. There’s a reason why many bodybuilders stick to the classic approaches pioneered by people like Reg Park. These days, from the perspective of an outsider, the modern approach to building muscle is all about quick fixes and cutting corners, when physical strength is really all about the classic methods. With this device, you can also argue that the modern sports star has a lot more comfort in their lives. This could have a major bearing on how they play the game.

The Evolving Of The Game
Most may think that there hasn’t been much change to the game, regardless of the surroundings. But from the Olympics to football and everything in between, there has been a major period of evolving. Because any athlete has to work harder to break the previous records, this means that the game has to change with the times. The game can become harder, not necessary by the rules changing, but by the people playing the game becoming a higher caliber. As the game evolves it’s blatantly unfair to make comparisons to those that came before. The game can change, but only by the stimuli that surrounds it. The rules remain the same, but the players will change.

The Inspiration Of The Old Guard
The reasons that these big names are considered legends, because they are pioneers. As such, we need to hold these members of the old guard in high regard. And when we look to our heroes, and those that triumphed over adversity or limiting circumstances, we can’t help but feel inspired, but also feel that we have got a lot more to help us become better at the game. The sportspeople of yesteryear had to overcome trial-and-error, whereas we can have it put on a plate as to the right workout plan, nutritional guidelines, and so on. We just have to stick to them. But we need to make an impact on the game in a different way. It’s about learning that mental toughness that those heroes overcame. As such, while it may be unfair to compare the sports heroes of today to those of yesteryear, in terms of physical prowess or the game itself, most definitely, the people that came before us have had it more difficult.

Are You Confusing Your Customers?

Two of the key focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. In any business, clear communication with your customer base is critical. Ensuring this clear communication could be the difference between your business thriving or dying off. The following contributed post is entitled, Are You Confusing Your Customers?

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Everything about business can be confusing. One minute you think you know it all, then all of the sudden you realise that someone is doing something totally better than you, and that the systems you have in place haven’t been the most effective. But that’s simply because businesses are developing at such a rapid rate, that the demand for new software and systems to facilitate that is always growing, meaning it’s to keep up with the technological race that’s fueling business. But the demand on new technology production is not the only thing that seems to be increasing as the years go on, customer demand seems to only be getting worse. The world’s population is expanding at such a rapid rate, meaning more and more people are now waiting to be pleased, and more and more are there to shake up your business. Customers literally control everything you do, and manipulate your business perhaps without you even realising. So considering they’re so precious to the progression of your business, we think it’s about time that we introduced the problem that so many businesses are having, and that’s customer confusion. Confusing your customers through the processes you use is so easy to do. It’s hard to simplify your business, so much so that’s perfection to your customers. But this is what we’re going to try and help you with, because the simpler it is to use your business, the more people that will come flocking. So take some time to have a read of the tips below, and see if we can help your business!

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The End Sale

The end sale is the most important part. Just because someone is so close to clicking pay, it doesn’t mean that if your end process is clunky and hard, then people won’t just click that little x button in the corner. So you really have to think about the ways that you can simplify your sales process, so that your customers can move from one section to the next, seamlessly. So the first thing you need to do, is think about your connectivity, and what terminal you connect to, to allow your customers to pay. Some of you will be connected to the slowest vendors, meaning your customers experience delay after delay, and you experience more hassle. Some vendors mean you have to download software that could so easily malfunction at any point, meaning potential customers will definitely turn away. What you need to look into, is methods such as the InovioPay virtual terminal. Virtual meaning you don’t have to download any dodgy software packages and hope that you find them easy to use, and an outsourced terminal will handle all of the transaction for you. Having something like this to facilitate payments and make the whole thing easier is exactly what you need, especially if you’re finding that people are never actually completing a sale, only getting close to the end!

Filling Them With Jargon

Filling Them with jargon is the worst thing that you can do, but most likely the thing that you are doing right now. Customers might not always want to hear the technical side of things, they want to know what it does, and how it’s going to benefit them. Yet so many businesses fill their website with all these technical terms, facts and figures, and we don’t understand why! So have a scroll through your website at the minute, and see if you can change the way you’re describing your company and the products you sell. You might find you can dumb it down a little, and make the whole website a little more attractive, so that you can retain more customers!

Terrible Add Ons

One that we want to finish with, because we know how damaging this can be to a business. So many of you will be selling products, but selling a lie. It’s a trap we’ve all fell into as customers, and it’s so frustrating. This is when you buy one product, and then get told you need to buy add ons to make it work. This is so infuriating for someone who thinks they’ve bought all they need, only to find out they need to buy more in order to get it fully functioning. So if you’re selling anything where you could possibly do this, change your sales technique. It might seem like a good idea in terms of money, but it’s really going to damage your reputation as a business. Focus on honest products, with honest reviews!

Be A Great IT Guy With These Helpdesk Tips

Two of the key focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and Technology. As our world is becoming more digital, there will be a greater need for individuals trained in Information Technology (IT). It’s a important role to run any organizations IT operations. The following contributed post is entitled, Be A Great IT Guy With These Helpdesk Tips.

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Becoming the IT guy for your business or for someone else’s business can be a mammoth task. For some reason IT guys get a bad wrap. when ever people think of an IT guy they think of a boring geeky guy sitting at his desk in the corner of a room but this really isn’t the case in real life. When it comes to becoming an IT professional, it is a good idea think of ways which you can be the best in the business, and today we are going to give you some top tips on how to manage a great helpdesk for your business.

Be Easy to Reach

The important thing which you need to do as an IT professional is be easy for people to reach. A well Managed Helpdesk is a great asset to a business and it is important for you as the helper to be able to be on call when people need you. Always make sure that you are available whether it be by phone, text, email or instant messaging on your computer. This will make sure that people can always get the advice that they need to work efficiently.

Be Consistent

We all have bad days. It is important as a person who will be dealing with people that you never let your own feelings get in the way of your manners. Working with people all the time is something which any IT professional will have to do and it is important for you to always be open, honest and positive. Providing consistent customer service to your internal and external clients will make all the difference to you.

Get comfy

If you are going to be working at a desk all day every day staring at computers for one reason or another, it is important for you to get comfy and make sure that you are able to work in a comfortable way hour after hour. It is a good idea to choose a spot in the office with a source of natural light, grab a cozy chair and enjoy your office space.

Keep people updated

A lot of the time an issue which someone is facing on the computer might be as simple as turning it off and on again, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes what will happen is more complex than this and a job might take several days for you to complete. To be a great IT guy it is a good idea to keep your client updated once a day just so that they know where their machine is and so that they have an idea of when it will be back. People will appreciate this and it will bring up your reputation.

Write great notes

When you are working on a case which might be a little more complex, the chances are that you haven’t even worked on this case before. This means that it is as new to you as it is to the client. In these instances it is important for you to make notes on your computer or a notebook and they will allow you to refer back to this in the future if you ever face the same issue again.

Different Ways You Need To Protect Your Business

Two of the focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Once you start your business, there are myriad of things that can go wrong. As such it’s critical to understand how to safeguard your business enterprise. The following contributed post is entitled, Different Ways You Need To Protect Your Business.

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When you run a business, even if it’s an online business, you should be focusing on protecting it just like you’d take measures to protect your house from break-ins when you’re on vacation, or indeed any other time.

However, what does that actually look like? We can talk about protecting your business all day, but without sharing examples of what we mean, then it’s not really going to make much of a difference at all.

The great thing about technology is that it’s growing at such a rapid pace that there are always new things being brought to the market that can help you protect your business, but just as quickly as they’re being brought out, there’s a new hacker creating something else to destroy it, so you really need to be constantly staying ahead of the game when it comes to keeping your business safe, and so below we’re sharing with you some of the ways you can do that.

Technology:

Since we touched on technology above, it seemed wise to start with this. The other reason is that technology is always going to play a crucial role in how your business is being protected, so it really made sense to start with this.

When it comes to technology for keeping your business safe, this can take many different forms. You can get things like malware, secure payment systems, and you can always read more here about the different solutions available for keeping things like data secure so that you don’t lose it in case of a cyber attack.

Privacy:

Privacy is becoming more and more of an issue for business owners these days, and if we look at companies like Facebook who are forever in the news because of their privacy issues and how they’re handling customer data, it’s really so important that people trust you with theirs and that you understand the consequences of abusing this.

Having clear policies in place such as privacy policies and terms and conditions on your site is really a good step to take because it keeps you in the right and also ensures that people know how their data is being used.

Legal:

Although we do understand that having a lawyer for your business is maybe not something you can afford right now, you certainly don’t need to have one on retainer in order to have some protection.

You can easily seek the advice of a lawyer at the start of your business and anytime you need something like a contract drafted up so that at least you know you’re doing things the right way.

Another way you can protect your business is by having things like business and liability insurance in place in case you need to fight a case and don’t want to be held responsible for the costs of lawyers or going to court.

This list is certainly not extensive, but should help you when it comes to understanding the different ways in which you can protect your business from facing any potential issues that you may see down the line.

You’ve Lost Your Job- What Happens Next?

The first principle of my blog is Creating Ecosystems of Success, and a key focus is Career Discussions. Most everyone will experience the loss of a job for one reason or another. If you’re fortunate, you will receive a timely warning so that you can prepare for the loss of income. Some people aren’t so lucky and the loss is sudden. In either case it’s important to know what to do in of a job loss. The following contributed post is entitled, You’ve Lost Your Job- What Happens Next?

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Image: https://www.pexels.com/search/stress/

Losing your job is up there with one of the most stressful life events a person can go through. In an instant, everything is at risk- your home, your car, your credit score where you can quickly fall into debt. There’s a hugely emotional side of things where you might be wondering how you’re going to look after your family and pets, not to mention a loss of identity. Our jobs are more than just jobs, they’re part of who we are. And so losing that, your security blanket, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. If you’ve found yourself in this position, perhaps due to redundancies in the company or them going into administration, or maybe due to a fault of your own, here’s what you need to do next.

Claim any money you’re entitled to
Have you had to leave your job because you got injured? If it’s someone else’s fault then you might be entitled to compensation, make sure you’re getting what you’re owed. For example, if you were hurt while riding your motorbike then a lawyer like https://www.braininjurylawofseattle.com/seattle-truck-accident-lawyer/ would work your case for you, if it was at work then you’d have to go down the relevant channels. This money can help you with your recovery and can be a lifesaver while you’re out of work. While you don’t have a job, you may also be entitled to help from the government. See if there are any welfare or benefits you can claim to cover your basic costs and keep you going while you find something new.

Take a temporary job
Finding another job can be a lengthy process. Depending on the career you’re in and the job roles you’re going for, it can take time for a position to come up, the employer to go through CVs, call people in for interviews and eventually start. You may also get rejected a number of times along the way. For this reason, it can be worth taking a temporary job– any job you can get in the meantime. As the saying goes, it’s easier to find work when you’re in work. It might not be what you want to be doing or a long term job for you but any source of regular income is better than none. Whether it’s delivering pizzas, working in retail or cleaning, see if there’s anything available right now that you can take.

Create new sources of income
Going forward, it’s so worth building additional sources of income so you’re financially protected if you ever lose your job again in the future. Establish and monetise a blog, build up a good reputation as a freelancer or start a home business. These things will take time to get going, but you could run them alongside your new job when you finally get to work. It’s extra money for now, and if you need them in the future it’s a source of income you can rely on.