5 Essential Travel Gadgets for a Comfortable Business Trip

Before, business trips only involved a smartphone and laptop or tablet. Today, travel gadgets have raised the standard for business trips to include gadgets that can streamline your work or solve some travel problems that have plagued phones and laptops in the past. Here are 5 essential travel gadgets that will make your next business trip more comfortable.

Smart Luggage

Haven’t we all experienced sitting at the airport, waiting for our flight, and wishing there was an available plug to charge our gadgets. Airport charging stations usually require either sitting on the floor or standing up for a couple of hours. There are now luggage brands that solve this problem with luggage that has built-in USB charging ports for charging a few times over. What’s more, the luggage also comes equipped with a built-in scale, lock, and tracking device in case you need to track after the airline leaves your luggage behind.

Noise-canceling Earbuds

While noise-canceling headphones have long been invented and have become a favorite piece of tech gear, the large around-ear headphones are not actually practical for business trips. However, noise-canceling earbuds are becoming more common, with Bose being the brand that leads the charge. Today, some brands are available as wireless Bluetooth earbud phones.

Hootoo Wireless Router

Wireless routers today seem to be rare for business travelers, something that business travelers need to discover soon. This type of underrated gadget actually has two important features for business trips: the wireless hotspot and the 10,000mAh portable battery. So this means if your smartphone or other USB-powered device is running out of juice, you can charge up again (aside from using your luggage-charger). The wireless hotspot is obviously useful if the hotels in your area are more old-school networks, or worse, the Wi-Fi signal is terrible. The Hootoo simply amplifies the signal to make it usable. It even allows you to connect two or more devices at the same time. Though a bit hefty at 8 or 9 ounces, it doesn’t cost a lot and is worth more than it costs on any business trip. Perhaps instead of just buying a portable battery charger, spend for a Hootoo that has two features in one.

Mini-Portable Drive

Portable drives are useful on business trips but they tend to lean on the bulky side. However, major brands like Samsung have brought out solid state portable mini-drives like its T3 that weighs less than two ounces. SSD mini-drives also measure around 2 to 3 inches x 2 inches x less than 1 inch, so it fits even in a small carry-on. They also come in two terabyte capacity, making it an invaluable carrier for lots and lots of business or company files.

Power Converter

This is especially useful if your business trips take you overseas and you don’t want to fry your gadgets. It may look a little bulky, but it’s worth taking along if your business trips abroad is for a significant amount of time. One such example is from BESTEK. Aside from its 3 outlet converters, it has 4 USB ports if you need to charge your smartphone or tablet.

Small Business Owners Should Strengthen Their Cyber Security (Here are Ways to Do It)

Small business owners should be wary because they make the most enticing targets for hackers. This is because most small business owners think they’re not worth being attacked, but according to government data, about half of small businesses experience a form of cyber attack at least once and approximately half of small businesses that are cyber-attacked go out of business within six months.

It’s imperative that small businesses build up or invest in good cybersecurity in order to be better prepared for cyber attacks. This becomes necessary with discovery of the security flaws that have been dubbed Spectre and Meltdown towards the end of 2017. It may only be a matter of time before hackers begin exploiting these flaws for cyberattack purposes.

Train employees

Create a cybersecurity policy for your business and make sure your employees fully participate and understand that, should the business fall, they fall as well. It should contain cybersecurity best practices that you expect employees to follow, such as not clicking on suspicious emails and links. Include procedures for keeping employee, vendor, and customer information safe. Have employees create strong, unique passwords for each account. They should have a password for every desktop and mobile device they use, along with strong passwords for business accounts.

Whenever you can, have your employees set up two-factor authentication. This requires a two-step sign-in process that adds another layer of security to accounts. Employees will need access to another device or code to complete the sign-in process.

Make sure automatic updates are set

You should regularly update your computers, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, by simply turning on the automatic update settings. Make sure your operating systems and web browsers are up to date to protect against the latest threats. Manually check all devices if they are receiving all the latest security patches to fight the Spectre and Meltdown cyber-threats. If your employees use mobile devices for work, make sure they use updated apps, including a security app.

Create backups

Regularly back up all important business information on computers. If the information is stolen or goes missing, you should have another copy somewhere else. All important information should have a copy such as having copies stored in the cloud, on CD’s, or external drives.

Limit access

Unauthorized people should never have access to company computers and accounts. Even a well-known, trusted person shouldn’t be allowed to access computers and information that they are normally unauthorized to use. For example, you should never allow a customer borrow a company laptop to look something up, no matter how close they are.

Secure the business Wi-Fi

Your business Wi-Fi can be an easy way to hack into data to steal anything, including money. Secure your Wi-Fi so only employees can access it. If possible, set up the Wi-Fi in a way that prevents employees from knowing the password. If you want an open Wi-Fi for customers to use, set up a separate network. Customers should not have the same Wi-Fi access as employees. This will help prevent unwanted people from being able to access into the business files.

Optimizing Your Business for the Mobile Technology Market

There is no denying that mobile technology is becoming a dominant avenue of communication that businesses can no longer ignore if they want to have more customers. According to latest government surveys, the use of mobile browsers on mobile devices has been growing by 1,000% since 2011. Other statistics showed that retailers using mobile sites increase their engagement rates by as much as 85% while retailers with websites do business with 51% of customers on mobile browsers.

So what these suggest is that any business needs to have a mobile-friendly site so they can reach potential customers. So how can they do this?

Optimize your website for mobile and tablet screens 

Take advantage of mobile optimization tools like WordPress that help you automate your website. This type of responsive design provides a way for your website to automatically adjust when it senses what type of device it is being viewed on. Another feature to add is more visual content, which is what mobile users like, such as video. In short, create a mobile-friendly website that offers a clean design without drop down menus, larger font size, and critical contact information at the top of the page.

Ensure your business is easy to find on mobile search engines 

This involves focusing on an effective SEO strategy as well as incorporating website mapping and social media information to quickly provide contact information. This contact information should be detailed enough such as your exact location (if you have a physical store), telephone number/s, and other information on social media.

Focus some strategy on local mobile users

For sure, the largest group of people using mobile devices will be people in your local area, or your local customers. They are the ones always in need to find a business or service in your local area. This is particularly effective for small businesses because they can use mobile browsers to deliver coupons, push notifications, and more to regular and potential customers.

Provide regular content updates

Visitors to your site and social pages are accessing them more often from their mobile phone than from a desktop or laptop. The increase in frequency means they need more content to keep them coming back. This is the chance to offer everything from discounts to coupons to holiday sales and so on.

Continually test and measure what you do with your mobile strategy

There is no one way that will work for your small business so you must re-evaluate and use analytics to see what is really working for your target market. This will provide a way for you to make the necessary adjustments before you start to wonder why you’re not getting enough new customers each month.

7 Reasons Why Your Business Site Isn't Attracting Enough Customers

When you are researching products and services online, do you ever notice how quickly you dismiss some websites because you don’t feel they will deliver? Well, what do you think about your own business website?

What does an untrustworthy website look like? What are the factors that contribute for a website to look unattractive to potential customers? Have a look at this list of website trust factors. If they make you squirm when you see these on other sites, then chances are they have the same impact on your web visitors, too!

1.    It’s a graphic disaster

We are living in the land of templates. A do-it-yourself logo and clunky template don’t look professional and could give you that impression of a “fly by night” operation. You need consistency in brand and a nice blend of the right colors, images, and text.

2.    It’s boring

The website feels like you are reading a small novel. Fonts are small, and the site is very text heavy. Images are stock photography that you’ve seen before. Websites should show the reader that they understand clearly and concisely what the reader needs to know. Punch out important text and add some original, creative photography.

3.    It’s old news

You can tell that the website hasn’t been updated in ages. They have old resources and it has been months (or years) since the blog was updated. Websites should be a place for visitors to learn about what’s happening in your industry as well as about your company. Keeping it fresh and engaging keeps visitors on the site longer.

4.    You can’t find what you’re looking for

In other words, the navigation sucks and there are way too many “clicks” required to get to important information. It’s a common fact that the more clicks required the more you lose visitors. Keep key information like contact info in your footer, header, or sidebars, so it shows up on all pages. Summarize products or services on one page. Make it easy for people to get to the right solution quickly.

5.    It’s a whole lot of hoopla

These are sites that over-promise and under-deliver. The headlines promise one thing in the content, and the content is completely different. The testimonials don’t have names or companies attached. Statistics aren’t footnoted with sources. The results seems to too good to be true, which normally means they are—you get the picture.

Here you find music for $129.95, but the source is “Royalty Free Music Library.”

6.    Everything requires an email address

So you want to know about our products? Fill out this form first. Commonly called “squeeze pages,” these websites give you no other option if you’re interested but to leave your information to take the next step. You can then expect daily emails for weeks trying to get you to buy.

7.    It contains a lot of nonsense

When you are searching and visit multiple sites, you soon discover that these sites say exactly the same thing as a handful of other sites you have read. They use the same language. They promise the same results.

You might think you want your website to be like your competitors, but that could be the biggest mistake you make. Sites that are all the same can be the biggest reason people don’t trust you. Be bold and be proud of what makes you different.

4 Reasons Why Branding is Essential for Small Businesses

Any kind of business, whether big or small in size, needs to have its own unique branding. Your brand is what the outside world thinks of you. That’s it. Although you can influence your brand through well-designed logos, hilarious ad campaigns, carefully crafted press releases, or super-friendly service, ultimately, your brand is what the outside world says it is.

So even if your business is just a small one, don't think that it doesn't need any sort of branding. There are times when being small can give you an advantage, but there are others when appearing to be larger than you actually are is a wiser strategy. But how can a small business create the illusion of being bigger?

Here are four good reasons why branding is key to any business.

A brand makes you look bigger

If you scream “small-time vendor,” or “mom working in her bathrobe,” that is how your customers will want to compensate you. Branding will help elevate your business. Research other businesses—who do you look up to? Find an example of what you want to look like.

A brand builds credibility

If you want people to trust that you can deliver, you need to look the part. A well-designed brand is as important as brushing your teeth before the first date. Think about what you stand for and communicate that to your customers in everything you do, from the colors you choose to the words you use.

A brand makes you memorable

Stand out from the crowd, in the right way. Your customers have to remember you to find you. If your potential customer Googled your service, what would they find? Identify elements of your business that are different from your competitors, and showcase them in unique ways.

A brand attracts customers

When customers understand who you are and what you offer, they think about doing business with you. When they trust you and begin to love you, they tell their friends. Once your brand is solid, word of mouth is the best way to grow your base. Ask your customers for reviews and referrals. Make sure they know you appreciate the business. Build on great reviews by showcasing your happy customers. Grow your business further with well-planned and brand-consistent marketing campaigns, using the same colors, fonts, and personality.

How Your Small Business Can Compete in the Digital Age

If you’re a small business owner and you already have a website, social media account, and blog, then your chances of competing in the digital age just went up a bit. However, if you’re marketing as if it’s still 1999, get those launched and circle back. Of course, you’re confident that your product or services are top notch and of great value to customers, but how do you really build a following, a clientele, in order to beat the competition who are probably dabbling in the same strategies as you are?

Have Consistent Branding

This has to be the first step in your small business marketing strategy. Branding and visibility are very important in today’s competitive digital world. Make sure you are sending the right message with your logo, brand, product, or services. You need to keep your brand image consistent across your website, blog, social profiles, and your printed materials.

Review Your Website

Take a careful look at your business website. Make sure it is mobile friendly and responsive. Check carefully if your content is both current and relevant. If it isn’t, then you need to update it. Add required functionality to keep visitors on your site longer. Verify your site on Google so you will appear on local listings and Google maps.

Publish Fresh Content

So you have a website, social media accounts, and even a blog. But is all your content fresh and up to date? Small business marketing in 2017 is a lot more than having a website and forgetting about it. SEO guidelines have changed overnight, and Google now considers fresh and relevant content a ranking signal. If you want to stay at the top of search engine results, you will need to keep up with those changes and publish SEO-friendly content. Brands change over time and your website and your small business marketing need to reflect that.

Create Special Offers

Everyone likes a sale or special deal, and you’ll be surprised how much in your niche market do. Add a monthly deal and publish it on your website, blog, newsletter, and social sites. An expiration date or limited time offer simply adds a sense of urgency, which heightens the excitement of the special offer.

Establish a Strong Social Media Presence or Advertise on Social Media

Small business marketing should never ignore social media especially now in 2018. Social media has become a marketing juggernaut. If you are not sure how, perhaps you need to engage a professional social media marketer or agency. The money you spend will be less than the cost of making social media strategy errors. Also, small business marketing now includes advertising on social media. Facebook ads are becoming more effective than any other social advertising tactic.

Be Active on Social Media

Simply having a social media profile is not enough. You must stay activeon all of your social networks, posting at least once a day. This is important if you want your posts seen by viewers.

How to Determine the Perfect Supplier for Your Business

Selecting the right suppliers for your business needs is vital to ensure that you are able to deliver your products and services on time, at the right price, and in compliance with your quality standards. By implementing specific supplier’s selection criteria, it’s possible to identify companies that will work with you to meet the demands of your customers.

Here are five tips for finding the right suppliers for your raw materials or other company procurement requirements.

1. Set your criteria.

Create a list of the supplier’s selection criteria that companies need to fulfill to be able to provide you with the items you need. This could include issues like:

• Lead times from receipt of your order to delivery
• Minimum and maximum order quantities
• Storage and handling facilities
• Specific methods of delivery
• Quality assurance processes
• Payment terms and conditions
• Return policy
• Contactable references

Setting the criteria in advance will enable you to evaluate potential suppliers on each of the listed items and ensure that you don’t overlook any important requirements.

2. Define your process.

Identify the methods that you will use to find suitable suppliers. Decide whether you will publish your requirements in trade publications and call for bids, or whether you will approach selected companies directly for proposals and estimates. Allocate a time frame for conducting your suppliers selection process. Appoint qualified members of your team to review the proposals and recommend a short list of suppliers to choose from.

3. Call for bids.

Put out a call for bids according to the selection process you chose. This could be a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Quotation (RFQ). Whatever form it is, it should include full details of the products or services you need, along with quantities, delivery dates, and quality standards identified in your criteria. Ask bidders to provide detailed information on the processes they use, the stability of their raw material suppliers (if applicable), and reasons why you should choose them.

4. Evaluate the bid submissions.

Compare each submission you receive against a checklist of criteria for suppliers and question any items that appear to be lacking in clarity. Review the scope of the services outlined in the proposal and consider whether they match your requirements. Decide on each criterias importance and score all submissions against this for an objective method of evaluation. Identify what the agreement or contract period with each potential supplier comprises to ensure you aren’t drawn into a situation that could be damaging to your business.

5. Monitor the supplier performance.

Even the most reliable supplier can occasionally slip up. Make sure they have a direct contact point at your company and conduct regular performance reviews. This will help you keep tabs on their work and make sure they’re fulfilling their end of the agreement. These reviews will also help you when it comes time to talk about contract renewal, so you know where you stand.

Following these tips will enable you to successfully select suppliers who can support your business requirements by delivering the appropriate goods and services you need on time and within budget. This will help you improve your productivity and ensure you produce quality goods/services.