Posts

How Does A Toll-Free Number Work And Why Is It Helpful In Businesses

/in /by

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | How Does A Toll-Free Number Work And Why Is It Helpful In BusinessesThe first thing that most people think about when they hear the phrase “toll-free number” is the fact that there is no cost associated with having one. There are many reasons why a toll-free number works well and is considered by many as a “must-have” tool. For starters, toll-free services streamline business communications, allowing companies to provide their customers with a way to reach out to them for any reason, and regardless of what type of business relationship is taking place.

In addition, since this is the case, it means that customers don’t have to worry about paying a monthly fee or a yearly service charge just to use this service.

A reliable 800 service provides tons of business and consumer benefits, and here are some of them:

1. Cost-Effective Solution

Most people think about the ease of obtaining a toll-free phone line so many companies use this option as an inexpensive and convenient way to provide their customers with a means of communication. A toll-free number opens up avenues for businesses to reach out and obtain valuable feedback from customers without having to spend so much.

2. Easy To Set Up and Communicate

Aside from being cost-effective, a toll-free number is also easy to set up. That is why your business will benefit financially, as well as your customers. If customers can easily reach you through your toll-free number, they will likely remain loyal to your company because of the ease of communication.

Setting up a toll-free number can be done by a company on their website or by a customer directly through their telephone company. If a toll-free number is being offered, the customer simply needs to contact their provider and ask if they can add the number to their system. When the customer tells their provider that they want a toll-free number, they then take the customer’s information and apply it to the toll-free number.

3. Accessibility

It is possible to call a toll-free number anytime of the day or night. With this option, your customer service representatives can answer customer calls whenever they come, thus providing them with better customer service compared to simply calling them with standard office numbers that incur extra charges.

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | How Does A Toll-Free Number Work And Why Is It Helpful In Businesses4. Track Callers Registered On The System

Since a toll-free number is very easy to set up and maintain, it’s also easy for a company to keep track of who is calling a toll-free number. This is vital to a company’s ability to perform all of their business practices in the best manner possible.

5. Used To Advertise

A toll-free number can be used for advertising for your company. For instance, special toll-free numbers can be customized to mark your brand in customers’ minds, such as 1-800-HELP for a rehabilitation facility. This allows people to call in and get the information that they need about your company, including a toll-free number and other important details.

6. Increase Business Revenue

As you can see, there are many advantages that can be had from the use of a toll-free number. By offering a good option to consumers, many find that they are able to save a great deal of money, as well as increase their businesses’ revenue, which helps them stay competitive and remain successful.

Increase your business revenue by building customer trust and rapport through your open communication via your toll-free number. The higher the trust rate and credibility you have, the more likely customers will stick with your brand. Because customers get to reach you for free, they can call you anytime if they have concerns. They know that your line is always open to discuss problems with purchases or using the product, giving them excellent customer service.

Here’s how offering a toll-free number can increase your business revenue:

  • Customers can follow up orders without paying extra, which increases your customer service score.
  • Follow-up customers’ orders and complaints without having to explain yourself whenever you call because you’re already using a known number represented by your company.

Conclusion

Having a toll-free number is a good idea when you want to streamline business communications, as well as provide customers with an avenue to express their concerns or ask questions about your products and services, while saving you money at the same time. It’s easy to setup and can improve your image as a company with the known toll-free number you have.

By offering a toll-free number, they don’t have to worry paying extra every time they need to call you, thus improving your customer service. Because customers are happy, they would want to use your products and services even more, and stay with you than going elsewhere.

The Advantages Of Outsourced IT Support For Small Businesses

/in /by

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | The Advantages Of Outsourced IT Support For Small BusinessesToday’s digital landscape means businesses need a robust IT infrastructure to operate. From producing goods to storing customer details, almost every aspect of your business involves technology. With so much depending on your IT systems, it’s essential to have access to IT support services. For small businesses, there are plenty of advantages associated with outsourcing your IT needs, including:

1. Reduced Costs

Hiring your own IT staff is a costly endeavour. Accessing the range of expertise you’ll need often means hiring multiple people. However, you won’t need around-the-clock IT support, so hiring your own team simply isn’t necessary. When you outsource your IT support, you can access assistance quickly and easily, without paying full-time staff. With outsourced IT managed services, for example, you’ll can ensure your systems are secure, functional and up to date for a fraction of the cost of hiring your own team.

2. Wide Range of Knowledge

The IT industry is growing all the time and there are an endless number of specialities. You may need help from a software programmer to build a bespoke CRM, for example, and a cybersecurity expert to assist you in keeping your business secure. Similarly, you may require a network architect to create a new infrastructure for your company but a cloud engineer to migrate your systems.

Fortunately, outsourcing your requirements enables you to access the range of expertise you’ll need. At imprezait.co.uk, for example, more than 30 staff work tirelessly to support, protect and enable businesses. Their combined specialties ensure clients benefit from expertise across the whole IT sector. Whether you’re a B2C start-up, a growing B2B business or a medium-sized firm that’s ready to expand, you can access the custom services you need when you outsource your IT support requirements.

3. Results Driven

IT support companies are inherently results driven, which is good news for their clients. When your IT infrastructure is working optimally, you’ll require their assistance less. This means it’s in their interest to keep your systems fully functional and up to date when you’re receiving IT managed services.

Furthermore, IT companies are well aware that their reputation depends on their performance. When it comes to compliance and security, their business success is dependent on the quality of the service they provide to you. In short, you can be confident that outsourcing your IT support will ensure you get top quality service, providing you choose the right company.

Selecting the Right IT Support Provider

Before you can choose an IT support provider, it’s important to determine exactly what type of support you need. Often, this will depend on the systems you’re using and the nature of your business. However, you’ll want to consider your future growth plans too. If you want to grow your business, you’ll want to work with an IT firm that can provide scalable support solutions.

Don’t assume all IT support companies are the same. Talk to potential providers about your business goals and ask how they can help you to achieve them. By doing so, you’ll find an IT partner that is focused on enhancing your short and long-term success.

How to Minimize Business Disruption When Upgrading Tech

/in /by

StrategyDriven Managing Your Business Article | How to Minimize Business Disruption When Upgrading TechWith technology moving at such a rapid rate these days, you can’t afford to allow your hardware and software to become old and stale. However, when you do get round to upgrading your technology, it is all too easy for it to cause business disruptions. In turn, these can be problematic by costing you potential sales and even causing your clients to look elsewhere. So, you want to make a special effort to minimize disruption as much as possible, and here are some of the ways that you can do so.

Hire the Right Tech Team

While your business relies on technology to operate effectively, this doesn’t mean that you are an expert in the field. Therefore, you need to have the best team behind you, whether through in-house staff or an outsource agency like Iconic IT. Whoever you choose to put your trust in, they need to be reliable and competent. If you are hiring someone, you need to check their references closely. If you are relying on an outsourced agency, you should get a personal recommendation if possible or review their case studies closely.

Plan and Test

When you first decide to upgrade your tech systems, this is where you need to make a plan involving how long this is going to take and when you can do it to minimize business disruption. You need to work out whether you should inform your clients to let them know about the impending disruption. Within your timetable, you also need to set aside some hours for testing. After all, you don’t want to get the system up and running, only to find that it didn’t work as well as you expected. This is the time that you can use to iron out any issues and sort them out before the big launch.

Keep Security in Mind

Online security has never been more important, and you don’t want to risk your systems going down as a result of not taking the proper precautions. While your old systems may have been protected, you need the same to be said of your newer technology too. To grant you extra peace of mind, it may be worth hiring someone to test your systems out. Some businesses even find it useful to hire ‘friendly hackers’ who attempt to hack into their systems to make sure everything is watertight.

Prepare for Future Upgrades

While it may present a challenge, you should do your best to invest in technology that it is as ‘futureproof’ as possible. While your new bit of kit may be useful now, is this still going to be the case in the next six months. If you are not sure, look at the direction of the company and how well they have done in keeping their products fresh and innovative. You do not want to waste a lot of cash upgrading to a technology that is going to become obsolete in the very near future!

Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data

/in /by

StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your DataAs cyberattacks are occurring more frequently, cyber security has become more of a necessity than just mere information that helps you keep your computer safe.

A wide variety of things can be done to keep your system safe from hackers and other threats, regardless of how you’re using your computer every single day. You can check this website for tips or work on your own to protect your data from hackers. This is an essential task as keeping your computer virus-free is one way to avoid cyberattacks and any other malicious programs.

What Are The Dangers Of Cyberattacks?

When it comes to how to cope with the effects of cyberattacks on your business, many companies make the mistake of assuming that it will only affect them and, then, they’ll be okay. However, the reality is that the potential scope of undesired (imprecise) consequences of cyberattacks can be considerably greater than those of an ordinary cruise missile or nuclear bomb simply because of the less certainty in their desired effects. If you’re not careful, then you could easily lose your reputation and credibility in the business community.

Reputational damage can range from a simple hit-or-miss loss of goodwill to a devastating blow, such as being blacklisted by your chosen social media platforms, being banned from online employment opportunities, and being unable to secure a job in the future. All of these are possible if you fail to take action against the attack on your business, or you try and put your own efforts in place without properly planning for the negative consequences of these attacks.

For example, if you’ve taken the time and money to build a positive online reputation for your business, then the damage may well be limited to a few negative stories in the press.

The effects of the attacks on physical and/or psychological reputations, however, can be much more damaging and can impact greatly upon the ability to attract the best candidates to your company. There are many people in the business world who are seeking work, and your reputation can literally be a determining factor as to whether or not you can secure the position you need. If your online reputation is damaged by an attack of another person or organization, this can have a far more detrimental effect on your chances at landing that new job than a hit-or-miss story in the local paper.

Additionally, having a negative reputation online may result in the inability to get a job at all in the future. You need to be very careful when it comes to the effects of these attacks because you never know what they could possibly bring.

How Can You Protect Your Data Online?

In the present day and age, there are so many people around the world who are being victimized by cyberattacks. They’ve lost their jobs, credit cards, identities, and even their lives. Having said that, it’s of the essence to protect your online data to the best of your ability.

It’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything that you can do to protect your computer from cyberattacks. The Internet has been a safe haven for hackers, but the good news is that there are many effective ways you can protect your data online. These include the following:

StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data1.Use An Anti-Virus Program

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to protect your digital files and information from cyberattacks. Merely downloading and using an anti-virus program is enough to do the trick.

The software is available for both Windows and Macintosh, and it protects your computer against worms, viruses, Trojans, and malware. You can set up an anti-virus program to protect your computers, regardless if you’re using them for work or at home.

With the number of ant-virus programs available today, choosing one can be tough. So, if this is your first time using one, make sure to read this blog and other online articles so you’ll know better what to choose.

2. Avoid Downloading From The Internet

One of the most important cyber security tips from the experts is to be aware of the dangers and risks of using the Internet and downloading software from there. For instance, if you’re not sure about the security of a certain website or program, you should never click on a link or download a file from it.

However, if you’ve already downloaded the file and are curious about the security of it, then you should run a virus scan on the file. Viruses can cause much harm to a computer. Therefore, you should always be careful of what you do and what you download while online.

3. Don’t Give Away Confidential Information

The simplest cyber security tip you can follow is that you should never give away any confidential data, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. Any information like the ones mentioned should be protected by a password or two, and these need to be a secret. This can be especially important if you’re more tech-savvy since you want to protect those who may be trying to get into your email or, worse, access your financial account.

The same is true for passwords that are shared with other people. There will be a lot of people out there who’ll try to break into those. You can also make sure that your system doesn’t contain any viruses, spyware, adware, or any other type of harmful software. This will help keep your computer free from any malicious elements.

4. Encrypt Information

Another important cyber security tip from the experts is that you should keep your information encrypted and safe from prying eyes. If you want to keep your information private and safe, then it should be in your best interest to encrypt your files, send them through the encrypted email, and keep them safely inside a hard drive.

Although this sounds almost too simple, it’s true that encryption is used to make certain that no one can read any of your data. You should make sure that your data is encrypted even if you’re not using a secure system. You should also make sure that it’s in a location that will be inaccessible to anyone, and that you have a backup plan in case anything happens to your computer.

5. Improve Your Password

It’s becoming a common problem among computer users to experience a sudden rise in data being sent or received over the Internet, and hackers are becoming more creative in their attacks on data. Many times, these hackers can also gain access to your network, so they can send their own data into your system as well. A hacker has many different ways of gaining access to a network, but the most common way to gain access is through the use of passwords or keylogging software.

You can prevent this from happening by using a password protection program. With password protection, it becomes impossible for a hacker to get any such information out of your system.

6. Install A Firewall

To avoid having your computer and the security system hacked, you can install a firewall. Firewalls are very effective when used together with anti-virus software to scan your network for malicious codes.

Protection is as easy as getting a firewall installed in your personal computer. This will allow you to set up a physical barrier between your computer and the Internet. When you don’t have an Internet connection, your firewall will block any hackers or outsiders from accessing your computer. This type of system is very effective because you’ll never have to worry about your personal data getting stolen. A firewall is typically installed on all new computers, or given to you when you buy one.

Firewalls don’t just stop data that’s coming into your computer from going out, but they also monitor your incoming and outgoing data. So, even if a hacker was able to bypass the firewall on your network, they won’t be able to get any information at all out of your system.

There are many different types of firewalls that you can choose from, but they all work in a similar fashion. When a hacker tries to access a computer, the system will detect that they’ve done so and will immediately close the window to prevent them from accessing your system any further. By doing this, your computer is now protected. The firewall is designed to prevent the use of unauthorized software, which can cause a number of problems if a hacker manages to get their way past your firewall.

7. Back Up Your Data

You should have a few different types of backup to protect your data in case something happens. For example, you can get a hard drive recovery system in case your computer fails because of a virus or any other security-related issue.

Another important thing you should have is a backup application that can be used in the event of a computer crash, as well as a reliable firewall that protects your system from outside sources. The most important thing is to have a complete set of software in place that you can use in the event of a failure.

StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data8. Scan Your Computer Regularly

If you want to stay safe from cyberattacks, make sure to scan your computer regularly for errors and viruses, which may have occurred during the past. The software that you use to scan your system for these errors will work with the Windows registry, which will help identify the errors that have occurred in order to remove them. Once these errors have been removed from, your PC should run smoothly and without any glitches

However, it’s important to ensure that you’re running the correct version of the software so that your machine can be identified as being fully functional before attempting any further steps.

9. Avoid Visiting Unknown Sites

There are many different ways your data can be stolen from your computer, such as through phishing. A phishing scam is when someone uses your personal details in order to try and sell to another company. They may ask you for your bank account number, social security number, and other important information. If they’re successful in obtaining these pieces of information from you, then they’ll use these to either gain access to your bank account or make purchases.

In order to protect your data from cyberattacks, you should try and keep your computer running as fast as possible. You should also try to stay away from unknown websites. When visiting unknown sites, it would be very easy for malicious programs to steal your information. By avoiding the use of these types of sites, you’re giving yourself much better protection against phishing scams.

10. Work With A Professional

The best way to secure data storage system or vital information online is by hiring a computer security professional to look into the matter on your behalf. It would be much better if you would hire an experienced one to do the job for you.

While there are plenty of them who are not very efficient and are only concerned with their own profits, there are also many out there who are actually more efficient and provide better protection than the rest of the companies. Investing in trained and experienced computer system professionals is a cost-effective move for businesses, especially if you’re a novice to cyber security.

The professionals know what they’re doing, and you can be sure that they can provide the maximum protection that you could ever hope for. It’s just that most business owners aren’t aware that this kind of service is actually available today.

Knowledge Is Power

The Internet has become an integral part of people’s daily lives, and everyone uses it to communicate, research, and work. However, the fact is that the Internet is not safe enough to keep your data secure at all times. If someone hacks into a network you have, they can gain access to all your financial and personal information.

Make sure that none of these mishaps happen by using the tips in this article. As long as implemented regularly, these tips are enough for you to enjoy the World Wide Web without compromising your safety and identity!

10 Ways Teenagers Can Earn Money Online

/in /by

StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Make Money Online|10 Ways Teenagers Can Earn Money OnlineIn today’s economy, money is a necessity regardless of whether you’re 13 years of age or 30. However, learning the value of money at a young age is a crucial step in maturing towards adulthood. Many teenagers appreciate the financial freedom a part time job affords them, with the ability to save for clothes or a car, and their parents find that it teaches them responsibility, too.
Thanks to advancements in technology, it has never been easier for teenagers to earn money without leaving their homes. Hospitality jobs are still viable options for some but others may prefer to make money online, as most young people are already well acquainted with the digital world. There are a number of different and exciting side hustles for teenagers to make money online around their existing schedule.

Here are 10 of the best:

1.Freelance Writing

If you, or a teenager you know, are an avid writer and believe you have the chops to work as a freelance writer, then freelance writing might be a good option. Working as a freelance writer across a number of different platforms, such as local magazines or newspapers, is a great way to earn money doing something you enjoy. Many publications are happy to give young people opportunities, too, either as interns or juniors.

Sometimes, you may find job postings from businesses looking for freelance writers, but often your ability to secure work will be based on your own discretion and hunger to reach out and contact businesses directly. With sites like Fiverr and Upwork, it’s easy to put together a profile with samples of your work, and apply to any number of suitable job openings. Freelance writing is also one of the easiest gigs on Fiverr to get going as you can easily have your samples displayed.

Freelance writing can be incredibly competitive, regardless of which platform you use, so it’s important you don’t get disheartened by rejections. In the end though, payoff in financial means and experience make it entirely worthwhile.

StrategyDriven Entrepreneurial Insights Newsletter

2. Blog Writing

Similar to freelancing, writing for a blog, whether yours or someone else’s, can be an easier writing side-hustle to start up and maintain. Granted, it’s unlikely you’ll immediately start making money with this particular venture. But, once you do monetize, the payout can be quite substantial. Some individuals have been fortunate enough to craft an entire career out of blogging based on how much money they make from advertising. If you write for an existing blog, you won’t have to maintain the site; you’ll simply produce the content and reap the rewards.

Blogging is also a great way to develop your writing style, as well as testing you creatively to make each post unique. When searching and applying for writer positions as you get older, these blog posts can be utilized as examples of your work.

3. Language Tutor

Tutoring in your primary language, whether it’s French, Chinese, Spanish, or English, is a fantastic way to earn money online. Most of the time, when individuals are seeking lessons on a secondary language, they aren’t searching for academic grade lessons. Often, they’re seeking out lessons to improve their conversational language skills and require assistance from native speakers, whether it’s with sentence structure or pronunciation. Tutoring online means teenagers are able to reach a large audience and help others without leaving their homes.

Typically, online tutoring does have a minimum age requirement. For most sites you have to be at least 16-18; it just varies based on which site you visit. Depending on where you live, you may be able to offer tutoring services through your school or college.

4. Selling Your Crafts

If language skills are not in your wheelhouse, and you’re more of the artistic type, then maybe developing your own small-crafts business is more your style. These days, ecommerce sites like Etsy are great for selling your own home-made goodies. On sites like this, you’ll find a variety of products ranging from personalized name puzzles to custom jewelry and antique merchandise. It’s completely up to you and your skills what you make and sell.

When operating one’s own craft business, there’s a degree of marketing and advertising that goes into it, like posts on Facebook and Instagram. If you’re a typical teenager though, you’ll be no stranger to social media. Selling crafts is a great way to express your creativity and make money in the process.

5. Freelance Photographer

If you or a teen you know have a good camera and an eye for photography, selling images online is a great way to earn money. Whether you sell photos to a digital media source or through a third-party site, there are a number of ways to make money through photography. The practice is similar to freelance writing in that you’re selling a product to consumers, with a price entirely based on your discretion and skillset.

10 Ways Teenagers Can Earn Money Online6. Online Videos

With platforms like YouTube amassing millions of visitors every day, creating videos is a money-making exercise that more and more teens are exploring. There are all sorts of video content creators these days, but how-to videos are among the most popular, thanks to their versatility. This is a popular side-hustle option among teens, as young people are the most active on the site.

Videos could vary widely, from how to beat a level on a video game to completing a DIY home project, or explanations on a specific niche you’re passionate about. Making money on platforms like YouTube is typically done by monetizing one’s videos. For example, by adding a subscription fee or allowing advertisements. The easiest way to start earning from online videos is by building a loyal audience of regular viewers.

7. Humanatic

When you’re on the phone with a business and an automated message says “this call is being recorded for quality and training purposes,” companies like Humanatic are the ones behind it. Basically, the call is recorded and forwarded to a third-party company such as Humanatic, who then assign the audio to one of their employees. They then listen to the audio and create a report based on what was done well and what can be improved.

Naturally, for this service, businesses pay establishments like Humanatic to listen to the audio and provide feedback. Working as an audio reviewer is a great, remote side gig. As one of these audio reviewers you can expect the pay to be based entirely on how much work you put in.

8. Proofreading

If you have a strong grasp of grammar and basic language skills, then work as a proofreader is be a no-brainer. There is no age requirement for this one, and all you do is read other people’s work to check for grammar, typos, and other sentence structure issues. Typically, an agency will pay around 25% of the price of a document to the proofreader; the amount of time each piece takes to read can vary. Regardless of your school or college schedule, proofreading can be an incredibly lucrative side hustle and will definitely add some much-needed extra cash to your bank account.

9. Customer Service Representative

If you’re seeking an online gig that can work around your, or a teen’s, study schedule, then a position as a customer service representative (CSR) might the next best step. Typically, these positions require individuals to be at least 16 years of age, but this can vary based on the business and/or online sites they’re affiliated with.

Note, these kinds of jobs do require a certain amount of resolve, and some people might not be able to handle this line of work. As a CSR you will be introduced to a wide variety of people, who can be polite or incredibly rude. As you develop your CSR skills, and overall confidence in your abilities, it’ll get easier to handle a variety of customers.

10. Survey Panels

When you take online surveys, you’re essentially offering your opinion on a variety of topics from music to various products, or even website content. Some companies operate by sending reviewers things to try, in exchange for detailed reviews, while others will pay people for their time. The reviews can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours; this often depends on the value of the product or content.

However, before signing up anywhere and handing over your personal information, it’s important you do research first on reputable sites. This way, you’ll avoid scams and ensure you’ll actually make money from your efforts.

Conclusion

There are a number of ways that individuals can make money online, regardless of their age. Teens, in particular, are well-versed in the digital space and many prefer online side hustles to a traditional part time jobs like serving at a restaurant. The flexibility of digital work also allows them to juggle their work and study schedules with ease.

With the progression of technology and online presence in the workplace, a vast number of opportunities have begun to open up for people willing to work from home. As long as you have a strong internet connection, and the drive to stick to a schedule, the sky is the limit on what you can do and earn.