Of all the changes driven by COVID-19, the hybrid work model may be one of the most significant ones. In this arrangement, employees work remotely some days and in the office on others. Hybrid work has simplified the hiring process, attracted more valuable employees,…
You might have thought that protecting intellectual property (IP) was just important to big companies. That’s a fallacy. IP protection for small businesses is a big concern. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, in 2020, small businesses made up 99.9…
No matter how small your business, you probably have issues (whether you know it or not) related to user identity and access management (IAM). Sometimes overlooked, IAM for small businesses can be just as vital as it is for major companies. First, what is IAM?…
Welcome to the New Normal. Where small businesses are spending more time interacting with customers online at virtual events, rather than in person. Over the last two years, doing things digitally was, of course, an imperative. Sporting events, concerts, business…
For decades, technology marketers have attempted to classify consumers (and businesses) according to their desires (or abilities) to deploy new, potentially disruptive innovations. Early adopters and laggards are terms we’ve all heard. But according to research, there…
A lot has shifted for small business owners over the last few years. It wasn’t just the pandemic that shook things up—technology and how we use it also changed. Thanks to the internet, you can reach your customers in more places than ever before. It powers the…
When we think of a personal assistant, we often imagine someone who works with a powerful executive. Maybe they’re too busy to type their own emails or to make their own phone calls. Or perhaps they need someone to run errands for them. But personal assistants…
Recruiting is a hard job by any standard. Now, as droves of employees are walking away from their desks during what’s has been dubbed the “Great Resignation,” it’s even more difficult. Applying artificial intelligence (AI) to recruiting may help recruiters smooth over…
There’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to cybersecurity. Even small businesses need to take steps to protect themselves from data breaches, network outages, phishing, and ransomware. But evidence suggests you have as much—if not more—to worry about from a…
YouTube is no longer just a place to go to for entertainment. In the last few years, it has grown into an invaluable business resource. According to a survey by Wyzowl, 84 percent of consumers say they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video….
Look around next time you’re at a restaurant. There’s a growing probability that somewhere on your table will be a card, or maybe a sticker glued to the tabletop, with a QR code on it. Use your smartphone to read the code. You now have the full menu on your device—no…
While it has long been common practice in larger enterprises, bring your own device (BYOD) culture is rapidly gaining traction in small businesses. It’s all thanks to COVID-19 work-from-home directives and the explosion of mobile apps used in business. BYOD is…
Cybercriminals, hackers, and scammers always look for new and inventive ways to steal your private data and personal identity. A common tactic involves reeling in unsuspecting victims through email or text messaging. The ruse may involve a large group of people or…
E-commerce fraud exploded in 2020. The pandemic created a perfect storm for market exploitation. People who had never shopped on the internet were doing so for the first time. Shops that had never sold anything via e-commerce were now only selling that way. Even…
Let’s start with what social selling isn’t. It’s not social media advertising. That’s an umbrella term used to describe all the ways you can leverage social media to sell or promote your brand, product, or service. Social selling is more focused and particular than…
Cybercriminals are an increasing threat in our digital world. Hackers use ransomware to trick you into sharing your personal information, from telephone scams to identity theft. They even pose as your bank or a loved one to catch you off guard. To learn how to protect…
For the last few months, ransomware has been making some big headlines thanks to massive cyberattacks against major companies. Even if it is only beginning to make headlines, ransomware has been around for a long time. A type of malware, ransomware is used to attack…
Digital transformation can make or break small businesses. Deloitte found that small businesses that have mastered digital skills are outperforming those that have not. Using digital tools helps small businesses get more customers, perform better financially, grow…
Over the last year, 70 to 80 percent of small and medium businesses (SMBs) across 32 countries suffered revenue losses of between 30 and 50 percent when compared to “normal,” according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Many closed…
Whether you made the jump to e-commerce in 2020 or run a side-hustle entirely through the internet, business happens online. Getting the online business basics down is easy. You probably need a website (bonus points if it’s pretty and functional), and it’s also a good…