This year a number of emerging trends in technology have had an impact on how people do business. Cloud service and data management providers have been running the show, due to the increased threat to cybersecurity. Advances in production have been made with the introduction of artificial intelligence, and many fields have benefited from automated transactions.
Read More
It can be a nightmare if you have mistakenly spilled water onto your MacBook. However, you should avoid panicking. All you have to do is to act fast so that you can fix the issue before it spreads and renders your laptop useless.
The guide below will help you know more information about MacBook water damage to decide if you wish to try a DIY repair. If the DIY approach is not for you, there are specialists in MacBook repairs who you can hire to help.
After MacBook water damage has happened, water will likely get into the logic board and the surrounding components. The salts and minerals found in water will immediately react with the fiberglass, silicone, and metal components. In most cases, your MacBook will continue to function for a few days, and it will stop suddenly. Such a case happens due to slow corrosions of metals and oxidization. Even if the laptop was off and the power source is available, power will still flow to the computer.
As a consequence, electric current will come into contact with water and hasten the corrosion process. Therefore, you should learn how to fix the issue by searching online for helpful repair guides.
As soon as your MacBook wets, it would be best if you powered it off. However, if it was off while water spilled, you should not attempt to power it on. If you power your laptop on, you can make the water short out the electrical components and damage it permanently. Also, remember to remove its charger if you had connected it.
It would be a good idea to remove the battery if you can manage. It is also critical that you disconnect all peripherals attached to the laptop, including the wired mouse, scanner, camera, and printer.
You can flip your laptop into a tent position so that you can prevent water from spreading deep inside the core components.
In case your MacBook is visibly wet, you can wipe its exterior surface using a dry, clean piece of cloth. If the ports are wet, you can attempt drying them using a non-conductive tool such as a wooden toothpick or cotton bud.
Although it might be stressful, you need to leave your MacBook in a tent position for at least two days to minimize the effects of potential water damage. To assist in the drying process, you can place your laptop in a warm area, such as near a heat source like a radiator or fan.
After your laptop has dried, you can attempt to power it on to see if it works. In case your Mac powers up, you can test all its major components, including keys, trackpad, Bluetooth, and Internet connectivity.
If you successfully recover your MacBook, you should clean it thoroughly. For instance, if you spilled a beverage such as soda, it can become sticky with time. Fortunately, you can use a dry, clean microfiber piece of cloth to clean your Mac's exterior casing.
Even if your laptop functions normally after water spills, you need to visit your local MacBook specialist. The specialist will assess any MacBook water damage that occurred to your laptop. The best repair specialist will use powerful solvents or cleaning equipment to clean your laptop thoroughly.
Spilling water on your laptop is a precarious accident. Even though you might manage to recover your MacBook, you will wish to ensure that you do not experience it again. The best way you can protect your laptop from water damage is by buying a waterproof laptop cover with ventilation holes, a waterproof screen protector, and a clear plastic cover. You should also keep your drinks away from the surface where you are using your MacBook or invest in a laptop stand. To get the best stand, you can look online for retailers that make MacBook accessories.
With the above guide, you can quickly fix a MacBook water damage to avoid more damages that can be costly.
When it comes to growing your business, the use of a variety of different tools becomes extremely important. These tools can help you achieve many things with your business, such as enabling different workflow improvements and also protecting your business data from cybersecurity threats. Even as a startup, it’s vital that you take advantage of as many as these tools as possible so that you can adjust your business infrastructure to take advantage of them.
Many of these tools are scalable solutions that can be adapted to your business in the future, but they can also be fitted retroactively, albeit at the cost of some additional work on your end. Alternatively, you can always reach out to an IT services provider to help you install, configure and utilize these different tools.
Cloud-Based Tools
Cloud-based tools are essential for any business that utilizes a set of remote features. For example, if you have a business that involves working with clients across the country, then giving your employees the ability to create and submit reports in real-time regardless of their location can be a huge advantage.
Cloud-based tools can include collaborative software, storage options, and even cloud-powered applications that take advantage of hardware that is located off-site. Below, we’ve included a couple of specific cloud-based software tools that are essential for your startup’s success, but it’s important to understand that there are many other cloud-based tools that we won’t be mentioned because they can be replaced in the future. This includes cloud-based accounting software, data storage, and office productivity tools.
Communication Tools
We also consider communication tools as an essential component of startup success. This can include VoIP communication tools to speak with clients and customers over the phone, but it can also mean internal communication software such as Slack which is used by employees and remote workers. With so many options available for communication, it’s important to look at the features that each software package has, the cost involved (if any), and also how scalable it is to your needs.
Communication tools are essential for keeping your team on the same page, but they can also be used to formally communicate with investors. This is where software can be used to set up virtual meetings with investors. This often includes the use of cameras and sophisticated software to share facts, figures, and other important data to your clients and investors while explaining it.
Customer Relationship Management Tools
CRM tools are great for helping you establish new leads, interacting with existing ones, and also communicating with clients on a regular basis. There are countless ways to take advantage of CRM software, but your options can vary greatly depending on the type of software you use.
In general, we suggest examining each CRM tool so you can understand their features and how they work. Most CRM software packages offer some kind of trial or even a free option with limited access to premium-level features. While they are used in conjunction with analytical tools, you don’t need full sets of data to start using them since much of the data is drawn from your interactions and engagements with your customers.
Analytics Tools
One of the best ways to examine your competition and view current market conditions is to use analytics tools such as the Whatagraph reporting tool. This tool can help you understand your position in the market and also your audience, giving you actionable sets of data that will grow your business and open up new options.
Using analytics tools can be difficult because you need to understand what data is useful to you and what should be ignored. It can be overwhelming to try and analyze large sets of data with no context, so make sure the quality of the data is high and from a trustworthy source. There are some sets of data that will need to be purchased, but this is usually an option reserved for larger businesses that need to understand everything that’s going on in the market.
Scheduling and Tracking Tools
Keeping your team on schedule is difficult without using a scheduling or tracking tool. These are essential for helping you stay organized, especially with a large team. However, these tools can also be used to plan future goals and establish roadmaps for your products.
We suggest taking a look at tools such as Trello if you’re looking for a scheduling tool that can be used online and shared with all of your team members. It can take a bit of time to learn all of Trello’s features, but it’s a fantastic tool that many professionals and large companies use to ensure that all of your team is on the same page. For larger businesses, it’s fairly common to see Trello being used by individual departments.
Cybersecurity Software
As your business grows, it’s vital to have security features that can keep your data safe. Between your business-related data and files to a customer’s personal information, you have to put a lot of work into establishing security measures that will protect this data.
Thankfully, there are many ways to improve your cybersecurity, and the heart of that comes from your cybersecurity software of choice. While simple to install, configuring it to your needs can be difficult especially if you have multiple computers or even networks to protect. We suggest speaking to a cybersecurity specialist, but you can also hire a full-time security team if your business is large enough to warrant that level of expertise and on-demand assistance.
VoIP
VoIP is a type of internet telephony that uses the internet instead of a traditional telephone line.
VoIP enabled phones are becoming more popular because they allow people to make and receive phone calls over the internet. The VoIP service provider will provide an app for the customer’s smartphone. This app can be used on tablets as well as smartphones. These apps can also be used for video conferencing, voice mail, and call forwarding.
Hopefully, this list of essential startup tools has given you some helpful advice on how to begin growing your business. We understand that working with a variety of different tools can be difficult, especially if you’re not accustomed to using them. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy-to-follow guides if you want to install or use them on your own. Alternatively, there are plenty of managed IT service providers that can help you get started with different types of startup tools for business growth.
By: Rosana Beechum
If you’re looking at starting up your own company, being in the know and having the right marketing strategies in place is crucial. To gain a customer base, you will need to think outside the box. While a website and blog can be a great way to connect with consumers, more and more businesses are taking the initiative of creating their own mobile app which can give you a clear and direct marketing channel. With that in mind, here are just a few reasons why every start-up company should have a mobile app.
Be Visible to Customers 24/7
As a business, it’s important that you’re there for your customers around the clock. While it’s impossible for you to oversee proceedings 24/7, having a mobile app allows your customers to connect with your brand no matter the time of day or night.
Create a Direct Marketing Channel
Apps serve many different functions. Not only can they provide general information, apps can include news feeds, user accounts, prices, and more. One of the main benefits of creating your own mobile app for your business is that you can provide customers with all the information they need within an instant. What’s more, selecting push notifications means that you can get a closer direct interaction with your followers, giving your customers reminders about what products and services you have available.
Rewards Your Customers
Instead of the old-fashioned route of collecting points on a card, why not make it easier for your customers by letting them receive rewards via your mobile app? It’s only natural that you will want to entice as many people as possible to download and use your app, so the more downloads you get, the more return customers you will receive.
Builds Brand Recognition
As a start-up company, getting your voice heard can be a challenge. If you’re trying to compete with many other businesses, it can be all too easy to get lost in the crowd. Creating your own mobile app can be hugely beneficial when it comes to building your brand awareness.
While it’s important to come up with an app that is equipped with all the features your customers love, you need to make sure it’s well branded and designed correctly, meaning that the general public can clearly identify who you are.
Improves Customer Engagement
Whether you’re selling flowers or operating a beauty business, it’s important that your customers can contact you. Having a help desk feature included in your app can make a big difference, enabling customers to get in touch with any general queries or concerns. Many customers prefer to communicate via text rather than phone, so having a space available for them to use on your app is crucial.
Creates Customer Loyalty
One of the most important reasons to create your own mobile app is cultivating customer loyalty. With so many newspaper ads, Facebook ads, website banners, and billboards all around us, it can be all too easy for consumers to ignore the advertising platforms that surround us. Making a connection with your customers is vital and will show that you value and appreciate their custom. Creating a mobile app with your customers in mind is important, especially if you want to hold onto your following.
The more people who use and love your app, the more 5-star ratings and reviews you will receive, helping to persuade others to get on board with your brand. However, as a business owner, it’s important to take all different thoughts and opinions into account. Knowing how to handle constructive criticism is a key trait that you should have. So, keep in mind that no matter how much hard work and dedication you put into your mobile app, there will always be some customers who aren’t satisfied with your product.
Building Your Mobile App
If you aren’t sure who to use to help create your mobile app, you may want to consider using companies like Appetiser. The company are known for its iPhone and Android app development, and by visiting the site, you can read up on what they do and the types of services they offer. You can receive a free consultation where you can share your ideas with the company, helping to turn your idea into a mobile app that can benefit your company.
No matter what sort of budget you have to play around with, you should seriously consider creating a mobile app that can be a great way to connect with your customers. With more and more people using smartphones, you can build a loyal and dedicated following within an instant, especially if your app is available to download on Apple and Android devices.
Standing out from the crowd and building brand recognition is key, so if you’re ready to get started, there are various companies that can help you create an exciting and engaging mobile app for your business.
This article contains affiliate links.
Image by Loya Liu from Pixabay
Today, there are many tech tools and software programs that you can buy or download to make your business more efficient and productive; software available to make your everyday work processes faster, more straightforward; and everyone will be able to accomplish more with less. However, with so many choice out there, it is difficult to know which ones are right for you and your business.
If you're not comfortable with technology, then the whole process can be overwhelming and cause you to worry about how you will utilize these platforms and train your employees on them. Many people often decide that it's more trouble than it's worth and stick to what they know, what's comfortable but essentially outdated ways of doing things which take far more time and effort.
There are certain technologies and systems that you and your employees will use in your personal lives; some companies have come up with business versions of your employees' favorite systems. Choosing these makes day-to-day work life easier for everyone because if your employees are comfortable and familiar with the systems they are using, then it will increase overall productivity and output.
If you don't provide your employees with tools that they feel comfortable with to help them do their jobs, then they will find other ways of doing things. This could mean they end up purchasing their own technology and while this does show initiative and commitment to the role, it can also lead to your team using a whole host of different solutions across which could hamper their ability to work together. It's important to look at incorporating the solutions that your employees, clients, and partners, either already use or can quickly learn to use, which makes collaborating that much easier.
Every business is different, and its needs are unique, so it's important to look at all the options, and which are the best user-friendly tech tools for you?
Enterprise Mobile Application
When employees want to use their own personal mobile devices for work and access applications and company data, this is where Enterprise Mobile Application comes in. It means that all your employees can have simplified access to the same applications as everyone else in the company, which enables consistency between devices but still allows employees to have the personalized mobile experience that they are used to which will increase efficiency in the workplace and reduce costs spent on company devices.
Trello
Trello is a well known, user-friendly, and free project management tool. It is very visual, easy to navigate and it simplifies tasks. So if you're not already using a project management tool, or you don't think you need one, it is worth giving it a go as it could really help you and make your working day far more efficient as it lets you create a system to manage your tasks and really is a time saver and a great way to organize and manage your work and your employees' work.
Buffer
Buffer is a social media management tool which allows you to manage multiple social media accounts at once. So, whatever industry you're in - whether it's marketing and comms and you're managing other people's social media or even if you're just managing your own for your business, then it's a handy tool to have.
Managing your own Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram profiles can be time-consuming and can get pushed to the bottom of the pile. However, a social media management tool can really help you; it enables you to schedule posts ahead of time, have access to useful insights to show you how your posts are performing. It can also free up time for you as you can post several posts out in one go.
There is a free version of Buffer, but it has its limitations, so it is worth trying it first and then upgrading and paying for more features if it works for you. Buffer's blog is also excellent and an excellent resource which can help you learn a lot about your social media strategy.
Slack
Slack is not only one of the largest and fastest-growing companies, but it is a great tech tool for internal communications within your company. Slack allows teams to create specific channels of conversations, video conferences, and you can also create alerts for particular objectives. A platform such as this can be advantageous with our ever flexible working lives as people can work from home and work at different times. Having somewhere where staff can coordinate online is useful and can be extremely productive for your company.
Expensify
Even though you want your expenses back, it can be a dreaded task each month to collect your receipts, make sure you have them all, and fill in those expenses forms. So, if you're not using Expensify, you should be. Expensify is a handy tool that keeps track of business expenses, receipts, reimbursements, and business purchases. It makes all of this more manageable for employees, managers, and the finance team too as it allows you to upload images of receipts and submit purchases for approval right from your phone.
Lion Desk
Customer relationship software, or CRM, is a big business as companies need tools that help them manage their contacts, know who has ordered what, and generate leads. Liondesk is a CRM provider that takes an explicitly sales-based approach and is aims to help real estate agents achieve more sales and generate more leads. The company's mission statement includes the phrase "close more sales," and the company claims that it is continually innovating and looking for new ways to free up employee time and make sensible predictions about which customers are ready for a new sale, and which aren't.
SalesForce
SalesForce is another popular sales tool and essential if you are working in sales. It is a Customer Relationship Management platform which you can set up and manage yourself. It also offers numerous cloud services, integrations with other programs and APIs, and they continue to acquire other companies that will enhance their software further. Salesforce, on the whole, enables you to organize better and to see the bigger picture of your sales funnels and pipeline and Sales teams can use Salesforce to do everything from managing their leads, tracking opportunities created, sales funnels, reports, sales conversations.
This article contains affiliate links.
Being tech savvy can be a real benefit to any business owner by helping to cut costs, improve business efficiency, and find new ways to make work smoother and more enjoyable for your employees. Here are some must-have tech items all businesses need to get on board with.
Photo credit: Unsplash.com
Mobile Device Management
Find out what MDM can do for your organisation. Mobile device management is essential if you provide staff with any devices like laptops, mobile phones, or tablets. You can use MDM to remotely manage all devices, whether they are in the office or not to keep them secure and up to date.
Block access to apps that your staff won’t need and ensure the devices can only be used for work purposes. You could even track usage if you felt it was needed. Automatically push software or security updates to the devices to keep them all functioning as they should and properly secure. In the case of a device being lost or stolen, you’ll also be able to wipe them remotely to protect all your information, and even block them from being used.
Social Media Marketing
Social media is a very important part of any modern marketing mix and you should build a proper social media plan. Save some funds on your marketing by making use of the free options on social media, and speak to your customers in a more informal way.
Do some research into which social platforms your customers tend to use, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Set up profiles and keep your branding consistent across all the platforms you decide to use. Use the same username to make it easier to find you, and choose a professional looking profile picture and header image, like a logo.
You can use social media to engage with your customers in a relaxed manner. Your customer service team can respond to questions and complaints, and engage with customers who leave reviews. Make sure you post content on a regular basis, and try to keep the tone of the content in line with the rest of your business. You can share a more human side on social media, but remember you are a business.
Email Campaigns
Make the most of online tools that are designed to manage your email marketing. Many of these tools are free, and you can gather your customer email addresses and divide them into lists by specific interest. You can send hyper-personalised emails to these different lists.
Regular emails or newsletters can be sent out to targeted customers to share offers, news, or product adverts. Send these emails regularly to keep you in the forefront of your customers minds, but not so often as to make them consider your emails spam. Keep the emails you send relevant and avoid a spammy vibe.
Remote Working
Many offices now have at least part of their team work remotely at least some of the time. With the right technology, you can make remote work a possibility for anyone in your company. With work device and mobile device management, you can easily add other tech options to make remote work easy and simple to arrange. With staff out of the office, you can get away with using a smaller office space which will be cheaper to run and will require less spending on office supplies.
Make sure that any devices, like laptops, that you provide to staff are reliable, to ensure they can get online with no technical hitches. Make use of communication tools like Slack, WhatsApp, or Skype to keep talking to your team all day, no matter where they are. You can use some of these programs to share screens with your team to allow for remote meetings.
You can use online file sharing tools like Google Docs, which are ideal for remote working teams. Share files easily between your staff, and keep them safe in the cloud, where they can be accessed any time, anywhere. If there are any problems, you can track changes on the document too, see who made them, and restore to an earlier version. It’s also easier to share documents to other machines, without the potential for incompatible software causing problems.
Offering the option to work remotely gives your staff a much better work/life balance, which in turn makes them much happier and less stressed. A happier workforce is likely to stay working with you for longer, saving you the cost of recruitment. It’s great for staff with children too, as they can work around the children’s care needs.
This article contains affiliate links.
FemFounder is a one-stop shop for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners who need PR, Instagram, Pinterest, and email list building help.
