Business Tips

Data breaches are increasingly common in today's tech-based workspace. There's more money to be had stealing customer records than going in for cash, and savvy criminals now have their eyes on these valuable goods. In 2016, data breaches increased 40 percent . These breaches rack up numerous costs, from legal fees and data recovery to lost loyalty from customers. Save money by staying proactive about your security.  Firewalls Keep Threats Out  Your firewall is your first line of defense against malicious attacks. Firewalls help filter information, protecting data that you want to keep inside your security parameters, and keeping hackers at bay on the other side. This will minimize unwanted network communications. The best firewalls also alert your IT security team to any attempted breach , so you can investigate the threat early and seek out malware before it has a chance to root itself in your system. This early alert will help save you from exorbitantly costly attacks. ...

When you realize that some freelance writers make up to $200 per hour on average for ghostwriting articles, you may feel disappointed. With such rates, a writer can work only one hour per day and still make over $6000 in a month without making any sacrifices when it comes to home maintenance, friendships, and hobbies, or other business endeavors. When you think about your own writing routine, you realize that you have to work several hours per day if you want to make enough money to get you through the month. Your hourly rate gets higher as you gain experience and your clients gain confidence in your skills, but you’re still far from the average $60 per hour.  This is not an issue you’re facing alone. Freelance writing is an extremely competitive industry that is open to millions of international participants. This great flexibility offers many chances for people from all countries to make money, but it’s also a problem. Beginners and non-native English speakers accept l...

Jay Z (real name Shawn Corey Carter) is one of the most successful musicians and entertainment industry entrepreneurs of all time. Here are some of my favorite motivational startup quotes from Jay Z: 1)  "“I will not lose, for even in defeat, there’s a valuable lesson learned , so it evens up for me.” 2)  “You can pay for school but you can’t buy class.” 3)  “I’m hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn every day, to get brighter and brighter. That’s what this world is about.” 4)  “I believe excellence is being able to perform at a high level over and over.” 5)  “I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.” 6)  “People respect success . They respect big. They don’t even have to like your music. If you’re big enough, people are drawn to you.” 7)  “I’m a hustler baby; I sell water to a well.” 8)  “I believe everyone in the world is born with genius-level talent. Apply yourself to whatever you’re genius at, and you can do anything in the w...

Here are some of my favorite inspirational quotes from business expert, bestselling author, and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg: 1)  "Being confident and believing in your own self-worth is necessary to achieving your potential." 2)  "Leadership is not bullying and leadership is not aggression. Leadership is the expectation that you can use your voice for good. That you can make the world a better place." 3)  "When you're more valuable, the people around you will do more to make it work." 4)  "If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on." 5)  "We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help but change." 6)  " Leadership belongs to those who take it." 7)  "It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It's also a very clear path to happiness." 8)  "Knowing that things could be worse should not stop us from trying to ...

If you own a small business, you probably already know a thing or two about Key Performance Indicators (also known as KPIs). KPIs are the benchmarks your business sets in place to make sure it’s moving toward its long-term goals. The key to effective KPIs is not just having them in place, but having the right ones in place. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide on how to determine which KPIs will best drive your business forward.  1. Begin With Efficiency KPIs In a discussion of KPIs, there’s a good chance efficiency KPIs are likely the first kind that come to mind. These are your basic markers of ROI.  According to the smart folks at PNMsoft , an Intelligent Business Process Management Suite provider, efficiency KPIs include measurements such as: cycle time from request to delivery, volume of tasks per staff and number of staff involved.  These are the basic markers that make sure your business is running the way it...

A recent survey conducted by American Express revealed “In the past year, six-in- ten (60 percent) consumers intended to conduct a business transaction or make a purchase but decided not to due to a poor service experience.” So how can your company become the next Amazon , Trader Joe’s, Apple or UPS – top-ranking companies known for customer service excellence? Here are three ways to promote your business, upgrade your technology and get professional training to keep customers coming back.  What is Customer Service Vs Customer Experience?  Although people use “customer service” and “customer experience” interchangeably, they are different.  Customer service is the assistance you give to your customers before and after the sale. It should make your business competitive and act as an integral part of your company's brand.  According to Search Sales Force, “Increasingly customer experiences includes not only interactions through traditional channels, such as website p...

In the past, thieves had to break through physical locks and barriers to steal money and information. But today, a talented hacker could try to access your business information and finances without ever stepping foot inside. But while digital thieves may seem unstoppable, they really aren't. Making use of some basic precautions and defenses can deter and prevent hackers from ever harming you or your business  1. Establish Precautionary Habits  Carelessness can make it easy for hackers to obtain the information they need. Establishing rules and guidelines for yourself and your employees to follow can help keep your business secure. When an employee needs to work remotely, make sure the network they're connected to is secure. Avoid downloading unneeded software, and be careful when clicking on links sent in emails. It's also a good idea to purge information from your site whenever possible. Don't store unnecessary email addresses, credit card information, or other custom...